Space continues to be the final frontier. We are constantly discovering new research and development of technology to better understand the skies and galaxies. Barry Hamilton found his passion in this frontier by founding Red Canyon Engineering and Software. Here, he harnessed the opportunity to develop cutting-edge technology to help humankind explore space and other planets, as well as advanced renewable resources on Earth. 

With an entrepreneurial spirit, CEO and Co-Founder Barry Hamilton, found his start at Lockheed Martin before branching out to establish Red Canyon in 2000. The company began by providing expert software engineering services to Lockheed, then expanded by supporting other local customers and eventually grew to provide full life-cycle engineering services. 

“We are proud to be involved with important missions ranging from searching for water on Mars to analyzing the composition of distant comets and building the next human spacecraft,” boasts Kristin Thomas, vice president of operations. 

The company works with a plethora of clients in both government agencies and commercial companies. A few of these clients include NASA, NOAA, Honeywell and Disney among others. 

With the thriving local aerospace industry, Colorado was a natural choice for Red Canyon. That natural fit is reflected in the company’s name which not only honors the red canyons on Mars, but also the local red rock formations where the company is located.  The business remains in Colorado in great part due to the company culture that in many ways resembles that of local Coloradans. 

That culture is encapsulated in the company’s work under Exploring Other Planets, Improving Our Own™program which includes being devoted to environmentally and socially conscious work, supporting local STEM schools and programs and participating in community events. 

Having operated in Denver since its start in 2000, Red Canyon has established a flourishing network of relationships with local key companies, offering insight on new program needs and access to local customers’ facilities.

With the strong foundation of talented employees and ample technical expertise, Red Canyon was already established when it applied for a $250,000 Advanced Industries Grant from the State of Colorado. The grant application was for their autonomous decision-making software project, expanding its Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) technology concept for non-aerospace industries. 

Red Canyon has big plans for its future as they’re currently working to expand their in-house research and development efforts, specifically in the area of autonomous flight software which was kick-started by the AI Grant funding. The company is also working to break into the commercial aerospace market, following the trends of the industry. They are excited to expand their business as they welcome an additional office in Florida.

Fast Facts
Location Denver, CO
Industry Aerospace, Energy and Natural Resources