Overview

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is an aerospace engineering design and manufacturing company headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California. Founded in 2003, it employs an estimated 100 to 200 people and has an estimated annual revenue of $10 to $50 million. The company develops electric and hybrid propulsion systems and unmanned aircraft systems, and serves the aerospace, military-defense, automotive, electric-vehicle, electronics, and renewable-energy industries. In March 2026, AeroVironment agreed to acquire ESAero in a deal reported at $200 million.

At a glance

What Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) makes

ESAero holds AS9100 and ISO 9001 certifications and operates a 32,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility, with an additional integration and test location at Oceano County Airport.

Products and capabilities described on the company's own site include Electronics, Composite, Electric Motor (source: esaero.com).

Certifications

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is associated with the following certifications in public sources. Confirm the certified scope for the specific plant producing your part:

• AS9100 — avinc.com

• ISO 9001 — svdcdn.com

Latest developments

• 2026-03-31 — ESAero's Lumberjack Advances Battlefield Capabilities with Northrop Grumman. | Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) (linkedin.com)

• 2026-03-18 — Partners Zac Turke and Rambod Peykar Represented Empirical Systems Aerospace in $200 Million Sale to AeroVironment | Sheppard (sheppard.com)

• 2026-03-16 — Drone-maker AeroVironment buys aerospace engineering firm ESAero in $200 million deal | Reuters (reuters.com)

• 2026-03-16 — AV Acquires Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. - AeroVironment (avinc.com)

• 2026-03-16 — AV Acquires Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. | AeroVironment, Inc. (avinc.com)

• 2025-10-14 — Amprius’ High-Power Silicon Batteries Selected by ESAero to Power Next-Generation UAVs | Amprius Technologies (amprius.com)

Facilities

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California. Public sources also reference these locations:

• Oceano, CA — suasnews.com

Company details

The company is privately held and is reported to be transitioning to ownership by AeroVironment, a drone manufacturer. Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) was founded in 2003, has an estimated 100-200 employees, and is headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California. On the LightSource stability read it is rated "Established & active": 23 years in operation (founded 2003). Holds AS9100, ISO 9001 certification(s) per public sources.

Frequently asked questions

What does Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) make?

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is an aerospace engineering design and manufacturing company headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California. Founded in 2003, it employs an estimated 100 to 200 people and has an estimated annual revenue of $10 to $50 million. The company develops electric and hybrid propulsion systems and unmanned aircraft systems, and serves the aerospace, military-defense, automotive, electric-vehicle, electronics, and renewable-energy industries. In March 2026, AeroVironment agreed to acquire ESAero in a deal reported at $200 million.

Where is Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) headquartered?

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) is headquartered in San Luis Obispo, California (3580 Sueldo St, San Luis Obispo, California, 93401-7338).

When was Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) founded?

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) was founded in 2003.

How big is Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero)?

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) has an estimated 100-200 employees, with revenue in the $10-50M range (estimated).

What certifications does Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) hold?

Empirical Systems Aerospace, Inc. (ESAero) lists AS9100 · ISO 9001 on its website. Confirm the certified scope for the specific plant producing your part.

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Last verified Nov 2026. Is this your company? Request a correction.