# Top 50 companies with in-house R&D in Virginia

Tamtam tracks 166 companies with in-house R&D headquartered in Virginia. This list ranks the 50 largest by number of employees on LinkedIn, led by RTX, Boeing and Northrop Grumman. Their median headcount is 6,798. Half of them were founded in 1968 or later. The most common headquarters are Arlington (9), McLean (7) and Falls Church (6).

These Virginia-based companies conduct in-house research and development. The list comprises mostly large corporations, primarily in defense and aerospace, but also includes financial services and food manufacturing. RTX, with over 139,000 employees, specializes in aerospace and defense, while Boeing develops commercial airplanes and defense systems. Northrop Grumman focuses on advanced technology solutions for global security, and Capital One is an innovative bank. Mars is a multinational conglomerate in food and beverage manufacturing, and Amentum provides engineering and project management.

A significant concentration of these large R&D companies is found in the Northern Virginia area, particularly in cities like Arlington, McLean, Falls Church, Reston, and Chantilly, indicating a regional hub for major corporate research and development activities.

🇺🇸 Virginia · 50 companies · Updated Nov 11, 2026

| # | Company | Industry | Headquarters | Employees | Founded |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | [RTX](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/rtx) (rtx.com)<br>Aerospace and defense operations through three business units focused on solving complex problems within aviation, space systems, and military technology sectors worldwide. | Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Arlington | 139,657 |  |
| 2 | [Boeing](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/boeing) (boeing.com)<br>A global aerospace leader providing commercial airplanes, defense, space systems, and services, focused on innovation, customer delivery, and employee growth | Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Arlington | 129,130 | 1916 |
| 3 | [Northrop Grumman](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/northrop-grumman) (northropgrumman.com)<br>Development of advanced technology solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, space, and defense to enhance global security and modernization. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Falls Church | 86,220 |  |
| 4 | [Capital One](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/capital-one) (capitalone.com)<br>Innovative bank focused on financial inclusion, creating tools to improve customers' lives, and encouraging a work-life balance for employees | Financial Services | 🇺🇸 McLean | 82,863 |  |
| 5 | [Mars](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mars) (mars.com)<br>Multinational conglomerate focused on delivering quality products through five core principles including responsibility and efficiency while employing over one hundred fifty thousand associates globally. | Food and Beverage Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 McLean | 55,984 | 1911 |
| 6 | [Amentum](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/amentum) (amentum.com)<br>Amentum is a global leader in engineering, project management, and solutions integration, specializing in modernizing critical missions worldwide with speed and confidence | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Chantilly | 50,000 |  |
| 7 | [Raytheon](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/raytheon) (rtx.com)<br>Develops integrated air and missile defense, advanced sensors, space-based systems, hypersonics, and cyber solutions to provide next-generation protection and high-performance military effectors. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Arlington | 48,589 | 1922 |
| 8 | [Booz Allen Hamilton](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/booz-allen-hamilton) (boozallen.com)<br>Innovative technology consulting firm advancing critical missions through AI, cybersecurity, and engineering solutions, empowering clients to shape the future | Software Development | 🇺🇸 McLean | 37,244 | 1914 |
| 9 | [Leidos](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/leidos) (leidos.com)<br>Global technology leader providing digital mission innovations and efficient technical services for government and commercial customers through a diverse, flexible work environment. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Reston | 37,171 | 1969 |
| 10 | [SAIC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/saic) (bit.ly)<br>Advanced technology mission integrator delivering secure high-end solutions in mission IT, enterprise IT, engineering, and professional services for defense, space, and intelligence. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Reston | 36,645 | 1969 |
| 11 | [CACI International Inc](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/caci-international-inc) (caci.com)<br>providing advanced technology and expert services to address complex national security challenges for government and defense sectors | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Reston | 22,223 | 1962 |
| 12 | [Parsons Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/parsons-corporation) (parsons.com)<br>A digitally enabled solutions provider creating future defense, intelligence, and critical infrastructure solutions with an agile and innovative approach | Civil Engineering | 🇺🇸 Chantilly | 20,710 |  |
| 13 | [Peraton](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/peraton) (peraton.com)<br>A company at the forefront of solving global challenges with innovative solutions, prioritizing safety and security through fresh perspectives and talent | Technology, Information and Internet | 🇺🇸 Reston | 18,000 | 2017 |
| 14 | [BAE Systems, Inc.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/bae-systems-inc) (jobs.baesystems.com)<br>International defense, security, and aerospace operations providing advanced electronic systems, cyber intelligence, combat vehicles, naval weapons, ship maintenance, and vehicle upgrades for military use. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Falls Church | 16,731 |  |
| 15 | [University of Virginia](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/university-of-virginia) (virginia.edu)<br>A renowned institution of higher learning, focused on meeting challenges, promoting access, and preparing citizen-leaders with empathy, integrity, and truth #GreatandGood | Higher Education | 🇺🇸 Charlottesville | 16,633 | 1819 |
| 16 | [Virginia Tech](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/virginia-tech) (vt.edu)<br>Comprehensive university offering diverse degree programs, leading research initiatives, and driving technological innovation and economic growth regionally. | Higher Education | 🇺🇸 Blacksburg | 15,504 | 1872 |
| 17 | [Inova Health](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/inova-health) (elar.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com)<br>Nonprofit healthcare provider in Northern Virginia delivering world-class clinical excellence across various specialties with compassion and individualized care | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇺🇸 Falls Church | 14,520 |  |
| 18 | [Virginia Commonwealth University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/virginia-commonwealth-university) (vcu.edu)<br>Innovative university focused on excellence, diversity, and research Leading breakthrough work, student startups, and healthcare disparities Empowering graduates to make a global impact | Higher Education | 🇺🇸 Richmond | 11,797 | 1838 |
| 19 | [CoStar Group](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/costar-group) (costargroup.com)<br>A leading provider of online real estate marketplaces, information, and analytics for commercial and residential properties, with a global presence | Real Estate | 🇺🇸 Arlington | 11,725 | 1987 |
| 20 | [General Dynamics Mission Systems](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/general-dynamics-mission-systems) (gdmissionsystems.com)<br>A mission-critical C4ISR solutions provider developing technology for communication, data sharing, mine detection, and more across various domains | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Chantilly | 9,815 | 1952 |
| 21 | [Accenture Federal Services](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/accenture-federal-services) (accenture.com)<br>The company brings advanced R&D, latest technologies, and human-centered design to the federal government to create lasting value and drive positive change | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇺🇸 Arlington | 9,719 |  |
| 22 | [UVA Health](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/uva-health) (uvahealth.com)<br>Academic medical center with hospital, trauma center, children's hospital, and clinics providing advanced healthcare and medical education. | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇺🇸 Charlottesville | 9,655 | 1901 |
| 23 | [MITRE](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mitre) (mitre.org)<br>A non-profit corporation, operating federally funded R&D centers, dedicated to solving national challenges in defense, cybersecurity, healthcare, homeland security, and transportation | Research Services | 🇺🇸 McLean | 9,164 | 1958 |
| 24 | [HII](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hii) (hii.com)<br>Global defense company manufacturing powerful naval ships and developing technology solutions across sea, sky, land, space, and cyber domains for national security. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Newport News | 7,949 | 2011 |
| 25 | [Old Dominion University](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/old-dominion-university) (odu.edu)<br>Virginia's research university offers rigorous academics, residential community, innovative research, and a wide range of programs for student success and career development | Higher Education | 🇺🇸 Norfolk | 6,798 |  |
| 26 | [Leonardo DRS](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/leonardo-drs) (leonardodrs.com)<br>Providing advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power propulsion technologies to global national security customers through practical, high-performance defense innovation. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Arlington | 6,551 | 1969 |
| 27 | [The Aerospace Corporation](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/the-aerospace-corporation) (aerospace.org)<br>Providing objective technical expertise and leadership to solve complex space challenges, ensuring mission success for national security and commercial space programs. | Space Research and Technology | 🇺🇸 Chantilly | 5,274 | 1960 |
| 28 | [Defense Health Agency](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/defense-health-agency-falls-church) (dha.mil)<br>Providing healthcare services to millions globally, supporting hundreds of hospitals and clinics with dedicated military and civilian personnel. | Hospitals and Health Care | 🇺🇸 Falls Church | 5,147 | 2013 |
| 29 | [Deltek](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/deltek) (deltek.com)<br>Deltek provides project-based businesses with software solutions to enhance project success and financial management through superior intelligence and collaboration | Software Development | 🇺🇸 Herndon | 4,820 |  |
| 30 | [Volkswagen of America, Inc](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/volkswagen-of-america-inc) (vw.com)<br>Research, development, manufacturing, sales, marketing, and service of passenger vehicles through a network of independent dealers in the U.S. | Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Reston | 4,326 | 1955 |
| 31 | [Ellucian](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/ellucian) (ellucian.com)<br>Leading provider of cloud & SaaS solutions for higher education institutions worldwide, enhancing operations and enriching the experience for millions of students | Higher Education | 🇺🇸 Reston | 4,315 | 1968 |
| 32 | [Orbital ATK](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/orbital-atk) (northropgrumman.com)<br>Design and production of reliable, innovative space-related systems, defense products, and commercially-driven services for access to space for various global aerospace markets. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Dulles | 3,531 | 2015 |
| 33 | [Strategy](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/strategy) (strategy.com)<br>First and largest Bitcoin treasury. Leading provider of universal semantic layer and AI+BI software. Unifies data and powers governed insights. | Software Development | 🇺🇸 Tysons Corner | 3,470 | 1989 |
| 34 | [Silgan Dispensing](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/silgan-dispensing) (silgandispensing.com)<br>Global supplier of triggers, pumps, sprayers, and dispensing solutions for consumer goods in home, health, and beauty markets, offering innovative and customizable distribution solutions | Packaging and Containers Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Richmond | 3,147 | 1984 |
| 35 | [HITT Contracting Inc.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/hitt-contracting-inc) (hitt.com)<br>A leading national construction company offering a wide range of services, delivering premium construction experiences with a focus on innovation and sustainability | Construction | 🇺🇸 Falls Church | 2,637 | 1937 |
| 36 | [Appian](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/appian) (appian.com)<br>Delivers software platform helping organizations run processes to reduce costs, improve customer experiences, and gain strategic edges across many different global industries. | Software Development | 🇺🇸 McLean | 2,632 | 1999 |
| 37 | [TSC](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/tsc-arlington) (tsc.com)<br>An employee-owned high-tech company providing engineering services and specialized products to US Government agencies and private industry, supporting system life cycle from concept development to operations | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Arlington | 2,526 | 1966 |
| 38 | [AV](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/av) (avinc.com)<br>Innovative solutions provider specializing in unmanned systems and high-altitude pseudo-satellites, empowering military and commercial customers with actionable intelligence for smarter decisions | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Arlington | 2,466 | 1971 |
| 39 | [Trianz](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/trianz) (trianz.com)<br>Delivers cloud adoption and AI transformation through a unified platform for migration, modernization, multi-cloud management, FinOps, and autonomous federated AI data intelligence. | Technology, Information and Internet | 🇺🇸 Herndon | 2,369 | 2001 |
| 40 | [Modern Technology Solutions, Inc. (MTSI)](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/modern-technology-solutions-inc-mtsi) (mtsi-va.com)<br>Employee-owned engineering company providing technology solutions in areas such as missile defense, cyber security, intelligence, aviation, and homeland security | Space Research and Technology | 🇺🇸 Alexandria | 2,308 | 1993 |
| 41 | [DCS Corp](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/dcs-corp) (dcscorp.com)<br>Provides advanced technology and management solutions to national security government agencies, emphasizing customer satisfaction and mission success. | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Alexandria | 2,043 | 1977 |
| 42 | [Fluence](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/fluence) (fluenceenergy.com)<br>Global leader in energy storage products and services, providing modular solutions, comprehensive services, and AI-enabled software for managing renewable energy and storage | Renewable Energy Semiconductor Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Arlington | 1,962 | 2018 |
| 43 | [MAG Aerospace](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/mag-aerospace) (magaero.com)<br>Provider of real-time situational awareness solutions enabling global safety, delivering C5ISR services, joint domain command, and premier engineering & operational solutions worldwide Website: wwwmagaerocom | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Fairfax | 1,928 | 2009 |
| 44 | [Carpenter Co.](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/carpenter-co) (carpenter.com)<br>Global manufacturer of polyurethane foams, chemicals, fibers, and insulation materials with a focus on innovation and enhancing quality of life | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Richmond | 1,879 | 1948 |
| 45 | [NASA Langley Research Center](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/nasa-langley-research-center) (nasa.gov)<br>Pioneering aeronautics research center located in Hampton, Virginia, on the Chesapeake Bay, contributing to NASA's aerospace and science advancements | Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Hampton | 1,714 | 1917 |
| 46 | [Everbridge](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/everbridge) (everbridge.com)<br>Critical event management platform using purpose-built artificial intelligence and risk intelligence to accelerate response times and minimize disruptions for global organizational resilience. | Software Development | 🇺🇸 Vienna | 1,603 |  |
| 47 | [CSRA Inc](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/csra-inc) (gdit.com)<br>Provider of high-tech IT solutions for government agencies, specializing in modernizing information systems for Defense, intelligence community, and federal civilian agencies | IT Services and IT Consulting | 🇺🇸 Falls Church | 1,569 | 2015 |
| 48 | [Alion Science and Technology](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/alion-science-and-technology) (hii.com)<br>A company previously known as Alion is now part of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), offering innovative solutions in various industries | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 McLean | 1,564 |  |
| 49 | [ChemTreat](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/chemtreat) (chemtreat.com)<br>A specialty chemical company dedicated to industrial water treatment, maximizing water power for various industries while helping customers save money and meet environmental goals | Chemical Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 Glen Allen | 1,533 | 1968 |
| 50 | [QinetiQ US](https://www.tamtam.ai/c/qinetiq-us) (qinetiq.com)<br>Innovative technology development for defense, security, and commercial markets with focus on Mission Operations, ISR, Cyber, Information Advantage, and Robotics | Defense and Space Manufacturing | 🇺🇸 McLean | 1,474 | 1956 |

## How this list is built

Every company on this list has a Tamtam company profile. The industry is the one the company gives on LinkedIn; categories such as SaaS or fintech are classified by Tamtam's AI from the company's website and LinkedIn page; and the headquarters city must match the company's own address. Companies are ranked by the number of employees on LinkedIn, and the list is refreshed every night. Classifications can be wrong, so treat the list as a starting point rather than an official ranking. Last updated Nov 11, 2026.

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Source: https://www.tamtam.ai/l/r-and-d-companies-virginia