Future Tech Jobs Future Tech Jobs

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
20
Salary range
£30k – £60k
Hiring companies
13
View 20 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

£30k – £60k

Based on advertised midpoints across the 11 priced listings posted in the last 12 months. Base salary only.

By seniority
£k base
Entry
30
35
1 job
Mid
35
60
8 jobs
Senior
47
51
1 job
Skills & tools

What hiring managers ask for

% of 8 listings posted in the last 12 months that mention each skill, extracted from job descriptions.

AS9100
38%
AS9102
38%
8D
38%
Six Sigma
38%
Microsoft Office
38%
ISO 9001
25%
Mechanical Engineering
25%
Engineering Drawings
25%
Lean Manufacturing
25%
Continuous Improvement
25%
Aerospace
25%
ISO 13485
13%
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

20 live roles

See all 20 roles →

Aerospace Propulsion Engineer

This role involves supporting Aerospace Propulsion programs by conducting assembly and component analysis, preparing bid and proposal documents, and participating in Change Review Board meetings. You will also support the creation of detailed IRAD plans and continuous improvement projects, working closely with a team focused on advanced materials and propulsion systems.

Expert Employment Westcott, Buckinghamshire, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom £36,000 – £52,000 pa
On-site Permanent Clearance Required
ECM Selection logo

Graduate Aerospace Modelling Engineer

This role involves modelling complex aerospace scenarios using computational physics to advance technologies in space, maritime, and defence. You will work on high-temperature, high-pressure, and high-velocity simulations, identify artifacts in data, and communicate results to clients and stakeholders.

ECM Selection United Kingdom £30,000 – £35,000 pa
Hybrid Permanent Clearance Required

Senior Design Engineer - Aerospace

Senior Design Engineer - AerospaceLocation: Gloucestershire (Hybrid - typically 3 days on site once settled)Contract Duration: initial 6months with potential of extensionStart Date: As soon as possibleWorking Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday-Friday, with early finish Fridays)Pay Rates (PAYE):£35-£38 per...

Matchtech Gloucester, Gloucestershire, United Kingdom £35 – £38 ph
Hybrid Contract

Project Test Engineer - Aerospace

Project Test Engineer - Aerospace (Fuel Systems)Location: Titchfield, HampshireDivision: FMC UK (Aerospace)OverviewOur Aerospace client in Titchfield is a global leader in fuel and air systems for both fixed‑ and rotary‑wing aircraft. With extensive on‑site testing capabilities and a strong engineering...

Matchtech Titchfield Park, PO15 5LG, United Kingdom

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

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

Aerospace Quality Engineers

This role involves conducting FAIR overcheck inspections, ensuring quality and timely delivery of aerospace products. The engineer will work on productivity improvements, maintain a safe work environment, and collaborate with customers like Airbus and GKN Rolls Royce.

Infinity Employment Pilton, Devon, Devon, EX31 1QY, United Kingdom £27 ph
On-site Contract
See all 20 roles →
Hiring locations

Where this role is hiring

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

Basildon

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

🍪 Basic, anonymous analytics (aggregate counts only, never shared) are always on. Accept to also enable third-party tools — Google Analytics, Microsoft Clarity, Mixpanel, Leadfeeder — which help us match you with relevant Space roles. We never sell your data or use it for cross-site advertising. See our Cookie Policy.