Part of the Future Tech Jobs (opens in a new tab) network
Sign in

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
7
Salary range
£29k – £83k
Hiring companies
4
View 7 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

£29k – £83k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 16 UK listings priced in pounds in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

Salary visibility
11% of listings advertise a salary — up from 0% the year before.
Distribution
16 priced listings
4
9
1
2
£20–40k
£40–60k
£60–80k
£80–100k
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 9 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

Aerospace Engineering
44%
MATLAB
33%
Project Management
33%
Python
22%
Robotics
22%
Technical Documentation
22%
Manufacturing Engineering
22%
Aircraft Structures
22%
Engineering Lifecycle
22%
Technical Leadership
22%
Avionics
22%
Cross-functional Collaboration
22%
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

7 live roles

Project Engineer (Aerospace)

This role involves managing aerospace engineering projects from customer request to final delivery, working with internal teams, suppliers, and OEMs. Responsibilities include project planning, requirements gathering, supplier coordination, and risk management.

Line Up Aviation Yeovil, Somerset, United Kingdom £30 – £35 ph

Senior/Principal Structural Engineer- Aerospace

This role involves performing static strength analysis on metallic and composite aerospace structures, building and running FEA models, and supporting structural testing. You will work closely with design, manufacturing, and test teams, and have the opportunity to influence the design and performance of cutting-edge aerospace structures.

Copello Bristol, Bristol (county), United Kingdom £40,000 – £75,000 pa

Manufacturing Engineer - Aerospace

This role involves translating design drawings into practical manufacturing processes for advanced composites in aerospace, automotive, defence, and space industries. Responsibilities include writing build instructions, creating routings, conducting PFMEAs, and optimizing production processes.

The Collective Network Quedgeley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £40,000 – £55,000 pa

Quality Engineer (Aerospace)

This role involves working in the quality department of an aerospace manufacturer, ensuring high standards of product safety and reliability. Responsibilities include driving continuous improvement, overseeing inspections, liaising with customers and production lines, and supporting auditing teams.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Kilkeel, County Down, United Kingdom £45,000 – £50,000 pa

Project Engineer (Aerospace / Defence)

This role involves overseeing projects from concept to completion, ensuring they adhere to budget, time, and quality constraints. You will coordinate with internal and external teams, manage project documentation, and occasionally visit sites, including international locations. The company offers a clear path for career progression and specialist training.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Stockport, Manchester, United Kingdom £40,000 – £50,000 pa

Lead Manufacturing Engineer - Aerospace

This role involves leading and developing the manufacturing engineering and tooling teams, balancing operational priorities with engineering standards. Responsibilities include managing new product introductions, writing methods and process documentation, and driving problem-solving. The position offers hands-on technical work while leading a team.

The Collective Network Quedgeley, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £65,000 – £75,000 pa
On-site Permanent

Project Engineer (Aerospace / Defence)

Project Engineer (Aerospace / Defence)£40,000 - £50,000 + Training + Progression + Company Bonus + Company Benefits + 33 Days HolidayStockportAre you a Project Engineer with Manufacturing experience, looking to join a well-established company with a reputation of providing premium...

Ernest Gordon Recruitment Stockport, United Kingdom
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

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

Bristol

Location
1 open
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.

Hiring aerospace engineers?

Post your role in 90 seconds and reach the specialist audience that already reads this page.

Post a job → See pricing

🍪 A basic record of what gets searched and viewed on Space is always kept — it is how we run the boards and report activity to employers. Accepting also loads third-party tools: Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity and HubSpot. We never sell your data or share it with data brokers. See our Cookie Policy.