Manufacturing company brings 180 jobs to Phoenix

A Massachusetts defense microelectronics company called Mercury Systems Inc. opened a new manufacturing facility in Phoenix Thursday that employs about 180 people.

“This is a very exciting time for Mercury Systems as we have continued to grow both in size and capabilities,” President and CEO Mark Aslett said in a news release.

The company has similar facilities in New Hampshire and New Jersey.

The 115,000-square-foot design and manufacturing facility is at 3601 E. University Drive in Phoenix.

It includes a 15,000-square-foot clean room. Workers will make components used in radar, sonar and other electronics systems used in defense and aerospace applications.

The 35-year-old publicly traded company has invested more than $700 million in the past five years on acquisitions and expansions.

Mercury has worked on more than 300 programs, including Patriot missiles and Predator/Reaper aerial vehicles.

It has more than 1,000 employees worldwide and reported revenue of about $409 million in its last fiscal year.

Officials report about 35 job openings in Phoenix. Open positions include an assembler, requiring a high-school diploma; a buyer/planner, requiring a college degree and five years’ experience; and engineering jobs, including entry-level positions for people enrolled in degree programs.