The opening of a new tech center in Brevard County is expected to bring hundreds of jobs and a $20 million economic impact.
It's Brazilian aircraft maker Embraer’s third new facility in three years.
Hundreds showed up today for the opening of Embraer's state of the art Engineering and Technology Center.
The $24 million facility will bring in 200 engineering related jobs over the next two years to the Melbourne International Airport area. Officials say the average salary will be $70,000 a year.
The facility will be 75,000 square feet.
"It's here not only because of the rich engineering talent here in Florida and on the Space Coast, but also because of the way we feel about the state, the local community, it's leaders and the way we are received here each and every day," says Gary Spulak of Embraer.
One of those jobs is taken by Brian Hammer, a former shuttle worker who was with NASA for 13 years. The Embry Riddle grad, and current Titusville resident was let go when the shuttle program shutdown back in 2011.
"We've had a lot of help. Brevard Workforce helped me transition in my training from space shuttle engineer to the aviation industry today," says Hammer.
The company is already putting together their corporate jets on site -- now the new building adds on to it's footprint along with Embraer's final assembly plant and customer center.
The building is financed, built and owned by Space Florida who along with the Economic Development Commission of Florida's Space Coast worked to broker the deal.
Embraer began their USA operations in Brevard County in 2009.
The jet maker recently signed a new multi year lease running until 2039. The agreement includes three buildings totaling 250,000 square feet being constructed by the airport authority on 22 acres of airport property.