PROPULSION FOR AMERICA’S DEFENSE
Avio USA is building a state-of-the art, American-made tactical solid rocket motor manufacturing facility to support the U.S. defense mission.
AMERICAN-LED. AMERICAN-OPERATED. BUILT IN VIRGINIA.
ABOUT US
BUILDING CAPACITY. STRENGTHENING THE MISSION.
Avio USA is a U.S.-based defense company focused on developing and manufacturing tactical solid rocket motors for America’s defense industrial base.
We combine nearly a century of proven propulsion expertise from our parent company, Avio S.p.A., with a new American manufacturing operation designed with innovation built in from the ground up to deliver greater capacity, quality and scale. Avio USA leverages Avio S.p.A.’s expertise in the global industry, while hiring the best US-based talent. Our advanced manufacturing facility in Southern Virginia will bring engineering, production, quality and leadership together in one site around one mission: to deliver affordable reliable propulsion when it matters most.
PRODUCTS
PROVEN PROPULSION. BUILT AT SCALE.
AVio USA’s primary focus is tactical solid rocket motors supporting air-, sea- and ground-launched defense systems.
Our vertically integrated manufacturing approach will bring critical capabilities under one roof, including propulsion engineering, composite motor cases, propellant processing, nozzle manufacturing, assembly, testing, and quality control.
We are building to serve America’s leading defense companies as a trusted partner and merchant supplier, providing the propulsion capacity they need without competing for their platforms.
PROVEN PRODUCT. SMARTER PRODUCTION.
Our approach combines established propulsion materials and processes with a new generation of manufacturing technology, including automation, advanced analytics, big data and AI-enabled tools.
The goal is simple: higher quality, faster production, and greater capacity.
LEADERSHIP
EXPERIENCE BUILT AROUND THE MISSION
VADM James D. Syring, USN, Ret.
Chief Executive Officer
Jim Syring is Chief Executive Officer of Avio USA, leading the company’s mission to expand domestic solid rocket motor production to support America’s defense. Avio USA, the U.S. subsidiary of Italy’s Avio S.p.A., leverages more than a century of space propulsion expertise to support national security through increased missile manufacturing capacity. A retired Navy Vice Admiral and former Director of the Missile Defense Agency, Jim brings decades of engineering, defense leadership and operational management experience to the organization.
Brian Miller
Chief Financial Officer
Brian Miller joined Avio USA as Chief Financial Officer in June 2026. He brings nearly 30 years’ worth of financial and industry leadership experience to Avio USA, with a specialization in leading foreign-owned mitigated entities and onshoring U.S. manufacturing. Brian is a graduate of Notre Dame’s Mendoza college of business.
Blaine Pellicore
Chief Operating Officer (Incoming 10/5)
Blaine Pellicore is the Chief Operating Officer of Avio USA, leading the build-out of the company's solid rocket motor plant in Pittsylvania County, Virginia, and the programs, operating systems, and team behind it. He previously built and led the defense business at Ursa Major Technologies, where he was an early executive and helped grow the company to over 200 people, and was a Partner in Bain & Company's Aerospace & Defense practice, advising launch, missile, and satellite programs. He holds a B.S. from the University of Colorado Boulder and a master’s degree from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Susana Guajardo
Chief of Staff
Susana Guajardo is the Chief of Staff at Avio USA with over 20 years of experience in national security, defense, foreign policy, and organizational transformation. She previously led major strategic and operational initiatives at BCG, the Department of the Navy, EY, USAID, and the State Department, supporting complex international and defense programs. She holds multiple engineering degrees from Dartmouth and is recognized for her analytical expertise, leadership, and ability to guide organizations through complex challenges.
Steve Dixon
Senior Vice President, Engineering
Steve Dixon is Senior Vice President of Engineering at Avio USA. With more than 25 years of experience in tactical solid rocket motors and tactical air-breathing propulsion, he previously held technical and executive leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, Aerojet Rocketdyne, Nammo and Orbital ATK, including building Nammo's U.S. engineering organization from the ground up. Steve is a U.S. Navy veteran and a Penn State mechanical engineering graduate. He belongs to AIAA and JANNAF and has published work on ramjet test facilities.
Stephanie Kotch
Head of Human Resources
Stephanie Kotch serves as Fractional Head of Human Resources at Avio USA, supporting the growth of the company’s U.S. operations and workforce. She brings more than 25 years of experience in HR leadership, organizational transformation, talent strategy and culture across complex, regulated and high-growth organizations. Stephanie has partnered with CEOs, executive teams and boards to build scalable people strategies, strengthen leadership capabilities and align organizations with business objectives. She holds a B.B.A. in HR Management from Marymount University and is a certified SPHR and ICF-accredited Certified Professional Coach.
NEWS
Avio USA News
Follow the latest developments as Avio USA builds a new source of American tactical solid rocket motor capacity.
Explore company announcements, manufacturing milestones, customer and partnership news, leadership updates and other developments from Avio USA.
PRESS RELEASE
AVIO USA BREAKS GROUND IN VIRGINIA ON FIRST U.S. SOLID ROCKET MOTOR FACILITY, STRENGTHENING DEFENSE SUPPLY CHAIN AND CREATING OVER 1,000 JOBS
Hurt, Va., Sept. 29, 2026
PRESS RELEASE
AVIO SIGNED $65M CONTRACT FOR NEW SOLID ROCKET MOTOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECT IN THE USA
Colleferro (Rome), 6 March 2026
PRESS RELEASE
VIRGINIA APPROVES INCENTIVE PACKAGE FOR NEW AVIO USA SRM FACTORY
Colleferro (Rome), 23 February 2026
PRESS RELEASE
AVIO AND LOCKHEED MARTIN SIGN TERM SHEET TO SUPPORT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A NEW PLANT FOR SOLID ROCKET MOTORS IN THE USA
Colleferro (Rome), 10 November 2025
RTX's Raytheon, Avio sign MoU to establish new solid rocket motor facility in the U.S.
RTX, November 10, 2025
jobs at avio usa
Build What Matters
We are building more than a factory, we are building a new American advanced manufacturing company.
Avio USA is creating opportunities for engineers, technicians, manufacturing professionals, quality experts, skilled trades professionals and business leaders who want their work to support a mission that matters.
Our Southern Virginia operation is expected to grow to 1,500 employees as production expands.
Help Build the Factory of the Future
Work alongside engineering, manufacturing and leadership teams using modern technology, advanced data analytics and disciplined processes to safely produce critical propulsion systems at scale.
Interested in working at Avio USA?
Please email us at hiring@aviousa.com
CONNECT WITH AVIO USA
For business inquiries, customer partnerships, media requests and other information about Avio USA, contact our team.
Avio USA
Virginia, USA
Business Office
1550 Crystal Drive, Suite 500, Arlington, VA 22202
Manufacturing facility and new headquarters under development in Hurt, Virginia.
For employment opportunities, visit our Jobs section.
For information about our parent company and its global space and propulsion operations, visit Avio S.p.A.