Aerospace Engineering Jobs: How to Get Hired in the UK
The qualifications, licences and skills that get you hired in UK aerospace
The UK has one of the largest aerospace industries in the world, from aircraft design and engine manufacture to maintenance, defence and space. Aerospace engineering jobs are highly sought after, so employers can be selective. This guide gives you eight practical ways to stand out, whether you want to become an aerospace engineer in design, a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer or a technician on a production line.
What aerospace engineering jobs are there?
Aerospace covers far more than designing aircraft. The main areas are:
- Design and stress engineering: designing structures, systems and components, and proving they are strong and safe.
- Manufacturing and production engineering: building aircraft, engines and parts to tight tolerances.
- Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO): keeping aircraft safe and airworthy, led by licensed aircraft maintenance engineers.
- Avionics and systems: electrical, electronic, software and flight control systems.
- Quality and airworthiness: making sure work meets aviation regulations.
- Defence and space: military aircraft, missiles, satellites and launch systems.
Knowing which area you want helps you target your training and CV, which makes you far more likely to be shortlisted.
8 ways to land aerospace engineering jobs
1. Get the right qualification
Design roles usually ask for a degree in aerospace, aeronautical or mechanical engineering. Production and maintenance roles often accept a Level 3 qualification or an apprenticeship.
2. Consider aerospace apprenticeships
Aerospace apprenticeships are offered by aircraft makers, engine manufacturers, airlines and the armed forces. You earn while you learn, and many apprentices stay with their employer.
3. Work towards a Part-66 licence
If you want to certify aircraft as safe to fly, you will need an aircraft maintenance licence. More on this below.
4. Be ready for security clearance
Defence aerospace engineering jobs often need security clearance, such as SC. Employers usually sponsor the process, but you will need to meet residency and background requirements.
5. Learn the industry software
CATIA, Siemens NX, finite element analysis tools and MATLAB appear in many design adverts.
6. Show your attention to detail
Aviation is heavily regulated. Show that you follow procedures, document your work and understand quality systems such as AS9100.
7. Build relevant experience
Automotive, motorsport, defence and precision manufacturing experience all transfer well into aerospace.
8. Use a specialist recruiter
Many aerospace engineering jobs, especially contract and defence roles, are filled through specialist recruiters.
Becoming an aircraft maintenance engineer: the Part-66 licence
A licensed aircraft maintenance engineer can sign off work and certify that an aircraft is airworthy. In the UK, licences are issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) under the Part-66 rules. The main categories are:
- Category A: minor scheduled maintenance and simple defect rectification.
- Category B1: mechanical, including airframes, engines and electrical systems.
- Category B2: avionics and electrical systems.
- Category C: base maintenance certification, usually for senior engineers.
To get a Part-66 licence, you pass a series of module exams and build up practical experience. Approved training organisations offer full-time courses, and many airlines and MRO companies offer apprenticeships that lead to a licence.
Skills every aerospace engineer needs
Whatever the role, aerospace employers look for:
- Strong technical fundamentals in mechanics, materials, aerodynamics or electronics.
- Accuracy and discipline, because small errors can have serious consequences.
- Problem solving, especially root cause analysis.
- Teamwork across large, often international programmes.
- Clear documentation to meet regulatory requirements.
On your CV, use real examples. Instead of saying you are detail-focused, describe a non-conformance you found and fixed, or a process you improved.
Where are aerospace engineering jobs in the UK?
The UK aerospace industry has strong regional clusters:
- The South West: Bristol and the surrounding area for aircraft, engines and defence.
- The North West: Lancashire for military aircraft and Cheshire for wing manufacture.
- The East Midlands: Derby for aero engines.
- The South East and Hampshire: defence, avionics and MRO.
- Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland: aerostructures, engine overhaul and space.
Airports across the country also employ aircraft maintenance engineers, so line maintenance jobs are available in most regions.
Graduate schemes and placements
Many of the biggest names in UK aviation and defence run graduate schemes that start each September. These usually last two years and rotate you through different teams, such as design, manufacturing, test and customer support. They give you a broad view of the business and a strong network, and they often include support towards professional membership.
If you are still at university, a year in industry or a summer placement is one of the best things you can do. Employers often use placements to find future graduates, and many students return to the same company after they finish their degree. Applications open early, often a year before the start date, so plan ahead. Student competitions, such as building drones, rockets or racing cars, also give you practical experience to talk about at interview.
Defence, space and the wider supply chain
It is easy to focus on the household names, but much of the work in the sector happens in the supply chain. Thousands of smaller firms make components, castings, composites, electronics, tooling and test equipment for larger manufacturers. These companies often give you more responsibility early on and a chance to see a product from start to finish.
Defence remains a major employer, with long-running programmes for combat aircraft, helicopters, missiles and support. The UK space sector is also growing, with work on satellites, ground systems and launch services. Skills move easily between civil aviation, defence and space, so experience in one area can open doors in another. Many roles in these areas require British nationality or long-term UK residency because of security rules, so check the requirements before you apply.
Making your CV work for the sector
Recruiters in aviation read a lot of CVs, so make yours easy to scan. Put your qualifications, licences and security clearance near the top. For each role, describe the aircraft types, engines or systems you have worked on, the standards you followed and the results you achieved. Quantify where you can: turnaround times, defect rates, cost savings or projects delivered.
Use the same terms as the advert, because many employers use screening software. Avoid graphics, columns and tables that software may not read correctly, and keep the document to two pages. Finally, check every date and detail, because accuracy is exactly what employers in this sector are looking for.
Find aerospace engineering jobs with Bernoullis
Our aerospace engineering recruitment team places design engineers, technicians and aircraft maintenance engineers across the UK. Read how apprentices are trained in our story on Pall Aerospace’s gold apprenticeship accreditation.
Check how your CV performs with our CV checker, then browse our latest engineering vacancies or contact us to talk about aerospace engineering jobs that match your skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications do I need for aerospace engineering jobs?
Design roles usually need an aerospace, aeronautical or mechanical engineering degree. Production and maintenance roles often accept Level 3 qualifications or aerospace apprenticeships.
What is a Part-66 licence?
It is the licence that allows an aircraft maintenance engineer to certify maintenance work. In the UK it is issued by the Civil Aviation Authority, with categories A, B1, B2 and C.
Do aerospace jobs need security clearance?
Many defence roles do, often at SC level. Employers usually sponsor the clearance once they offer you the job.
Can I move into aerospace from automotive?
Yes. Automotive, motorsport and precision manufacturing skills transfer well, although you will need to learn aviation quality and regulatory systems.
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