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
15
Salary range
£30k – £100k
Hiring companies
10

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

£30k – £100k

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

By seniority
£k base
Entry
30
40
2 jobs
Junior
35
45
1 job
Mid
35
60
4 jobs
Senior
45
100
3 jobs
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 14 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Aerospace Engineering
21%
Technical Documentation
21%
AS9100
21%
Microsoft Office
21%
Engineering Drawings
21%
8D
21%
MATLAB
21%
CMM
21%
AS9102
14%
APQP
14%
PPAP
14%
Quality Assurance
14%
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

15 live roles

See all 15 roles

Aerospace Engineer

The role involves supporting airworthiness and compliance activities for advanced aerospace systems, assisting with certification and documentation, and working closely with engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams. It offers a supportive environment for junior engineers to develop their careers in the aerospace industry.

Octagon Group Wimborne Minster, Dorset, United Kingdom £35,000 – £45,000 pa
On-site Permanent Flexible

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 Engineering Project Manager

This role involves leading complex aerospace engineering projects from planning through delivery, providing technical direction, and making key decisions to balance trade-offs. The project manager will work closely with global customers and cross-functional teams, driving innovation and continuous improvement in engineering practices. They will also act as the primary engineering contact for stakeholders and support team development.

Gold Group Me12Ff, ME1 2FF, United Kingdom £85,000 – £90,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Aerospace Senior Engineering Manager

This role involves leading high-performing engineering teams in delivering certified aircraft modifications for commercial aerospace programmes. Responsibilities include technical leadership, project management, and regulatory compliance, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure safe and compliant delivery of engineering solutions.

ReeVR Talent Frimley Green, Surrey, GU16 6LD, United Kingdom £80,000 – £100,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Flexible

Senior Quality Engineer (Aerospace Precision Components)

The Senior Quality Engineer will lead quality assurance activities, manage a team of quality engineers, and ensure compliance with AS9100 and customer quality requirements. Key responsibilities include maintaining the QMS, supporting NPI, conducting root cause analysis, and managing supplier quality performance.

Seismic Recruitment Bitton, Gloucestershire, BS30 6HE, United Kingdom £45,000 – £50,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Quality Inspector (Aerospace/Precision Engineering)

This role involves inspecting aerospace components and assemblies to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and industry standards. You will work closely with engineering and manufacturing teams, using precision measurement tools and maintaining accurate inspection records.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Basildon, Essex, United Kingdom £35,000 – £36,000 pa
On-site Permanent

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

Work Transfer Engineer – Aerospace

This role involves managing the safe and compliant transfer of products between suppliers, coordinating cross-functional teams, and ensuring third-party suppliers meet information security and regulatory standards. The engineer will develop work transfer plans, conduct on-site supplier visits, and support regulatory compliance management.

Recruit Engineering Denham, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £60,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

The locations with the most live listings for this role today.

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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