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Aerospace Engineer Jobs

Design and develop the cutting-edge technologies that power our space missions. From launch vehicles to satellites, aerospace engineers are at the heart of the UK's space sector.

Open roles
11
Salary range
£28k – £90k
Hiring companies
11
View 11 live roles → Get an alert

Aerospace engineers in the UK space sector are responsible for designing, developing, and testing the technologies that enable us to explore and utilise space. Whether you're working on launch vehicles, satellites, or space stations, your role is crucial in advancing our understanding of the cosmos and developing practical applications for Earth observation, communication, and navigation. Companies ranging from established aerospace giants to innovative scaleups rely on aerospace engineers to bring their ambitious projects to life.

What the role does

Inside the role of an Aerospace Engineer

A typical week for an aerospace engineer is a mix of design work, testing, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

  1. 01
    Conducting simulations and analyses to optimise spacecraft design.
  2. 02
    Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to solve complex engineering challenges.
  3. 03
    Reviewing and updating technical documentation and reports.
  4. 04
    Participating in design reviews and project meetings.
  5. 05
    Performing tests and analyses to ensure system reliability.
  6. 06
    Documenting findings and presenting results to stakeholders.
Salary on the board

£28k – £90k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 7 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Entry
28
38
1 job
Mid
38
39
1 job
Senior
45
90
4 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 11 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

8D
27%
AS9102
18%
APQP
18%
PPAP
18%
AS9100
18%
Engineering Drawings
18%
Project Management
18%
Engineering Lifecycle
18%
Technical Leadership
18%
Avionics
18%
Cross-functional Collaboration
18%
Stakeholder Management
18%
Career ladder

From Junior to Principal

A typical UK progression for aerospace engineers. Years are guidance — strong people move faster, and many senior folks sidestep into research, product or management.

  1. Level 1

    Junior Aerospace Engineer

    0–2 yrs

    Assist in the design and testing of aerospace systems, working under the guidance of more experienced engineers.

  2. Level 2

    Aerospace Engineer

    2–5 yrs

    Take ownership of specific subsystems or components, leading design and testing efforts within a project.

  3. Level 3

    Senior Aerospace Engineer

    5–10 yrs

    Lead major projects, manage teams, and provide technical expertise across multiple areas of aerospace engineering.

  4. Level 4

    Principal Aerospace Engineer

    10+ yrs

    Serve as a technical authority, driving innovation and strategic direction for complex aerospace programmes.

Pathway

How to become a Aerospace Engineer

There's no single route, but most people follow some version of these steps.

  1. 1

    Entry-Level Engineer

    Start your career with hands-on experience in design and testing, learning from experienced mentors.

  2. 2

    Specialisation

    Develop expertise in a specific area of aerospace engineering, such as propulsion or structural analysis.

  3. 3

    Project Leadership

    Take on leadership roles, managing teams and overseeing the development of aerospace systems.

  4. 4

    Technical Authority

    Become a recognised expert, providing strategic guidance and driving innovation in the field.

  5. 5

    Strategic Management

    Move into senior management, shaping the direction of the company and the industry.

Live jobs

11 live roles

See all 11 roles →

Aerospace Engineering Project Manager

Lead complex aerospace engineering projects from concept to delivery, providing technical direction and decision-making while collaborating with global stakeholders and cross-functional teams. Focus on delivering compliant, on-time, and on-budget solutions within a high-integrity environment. Emphasis on continuous improvement through innovative engineering practices and leadership of technical teams.

Gold Group Borstal, Kent, United Kingdom £85,000 – £90,000 pa
On-site Contract Clearance Required

Aerospace Senior Structural Design Engineer - Composite Wing Box - Shanghai, China

This role involves leading the design and development of composite wing box structures for a new civil aircraft program. The engineer will conduct in-depth research on structural components and drive product development within a supportive, internationally integrated aerospace team. The position emphasizes technical leadership and innovation in composite design while offering a balanced lifestyle in Shanghai with opportunities for regional exploration.

Strongfield Shanghai, China
On-site Contract

Graduate CNC Machinist (Motorsport / Aerospace Engineering)

This role involves setting, operating, and programming 5-axis CNC mills and lathes to produce high-precision components for aerospace, defence, and robotics industries. As one of the senior machinists in a newly established UK factory, you'll train junior operatives, contribute to business strategy, and work on advanced manufacturing projects in a collaborative workshop environment. The position offers technical autonomy and leadership responsibilities within a growing international company.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Lambeth, London, SE1 7JW, United Kingdom £28,000 – £38,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required

Aerospace Quality Engineer

This role involves conducting First Article Inspections and patrol inspections in a safety-critical aerospace manufacturing environment. Responsibilities include planning and executing inspections, creating audit reports, and maintaining quality records. The position is hands-on and requires a strong understanding of AS9100 and AS9102 standards.

Recruit Engineering Denham, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £38,000 – £39,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Aerospace Compliance Engineer

MPI are currently recruiting for a Compliance Engineer for our client based in Stansted Airport. This is a permanent role.The salary will be discussed on application and is dependant on experienceThis role is Monday to Friday 08.00 to 16.30JOB PURPOSEReporting...

MPI Limited Stansted Mountfitchet, Essex, United Kingdom

Software Engineer - Aerospace - Oxfordshire

This role involves developing a unified software platform that consolidates commercial and internal engineering tools for aerospace and additive manufacturing. You will work closely with Aerothermal Designers and Mechanical Engineers to productionize internal code, wrap commercial simulation tools, and integrate them into cloud-based workflows.

Bond Williams Kidlington, United Kingdom
On-site Permanent

Senior Systems Engineer – Aerospace / RF Communications

This role involves leading systems engineering efforts for aerospace and RF communication systems used in critical environments. The engineer will define architectures, manage requirements flow-down, and lead verification across the full product lifecycle, working closely with hardware and software teams to ensure system coherence and reliability. It emphasizes technical ownership and influence on long-term product direction within a high-integrity engineering context.

Cirrus Selection Market Deeping, Lincolnshire, PE6 8AA, United Kingdom £50,000 – £60,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Mechanical Stress Engineer - Aerospace

This role involves leading structural certification for aircraft interior modifications, including seating, monuments, and overhead units. The engineer will produce stress reports, perform hand calculations and FEA analysis, and ensure compliance with airworthiness standards. Collaboration with global teams and support for regulatory documentation are key aspects of the position.

Manpower Camberley, Surrey, GU15 3SA, United Kingdom £60 – £70 ph
Hybrid Contract
See all 11 roles →
FAQs

Common questions

  • Aerospace engineers work on a wide range of projects, including designing and testing spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicles, and space stations. They also develop technologies for Earth observation, communication, and navigation systems.

  • Essential skills include strong mathematical and analytical abilities, proficiency in CAD software, and a deep understanding of aerodynamics, materials science, and systems engineering. Effective communication and teamwork are also crucial.

  • Working hours can vary, but aerospace engineers often work standard office hours. However, project deadlines and testing phases may require occasional overtime or flexible scheduling.

  • Career progression typically starts with entry-level roles, moves through specialisation and project leadership, and culminates in technical authority and strategic management positions. Each step involves increasing responsibility and expertise.

  • Salary ranges can vary based on experience, location, and specific role. For detailed salary information, please refer to the salary section on this page.

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