What types of roles are common in Leicester's space sector?

Common roles include space scientists, satellite engineers, data analysts, and project managers. The focus is on research and development.

Are most jobs in Leicester on-site or hybrid?

Many roles are on-site to utilise the city's advanced facilities, but there are also hybrid options available, especially for data analysis and project management.

What are the main industries hiring in Leicester?

The University of Leicester, the National Space Centre, and various private space technology companies are the primary employers.

How does the job market in Leicester compare to other UK space hubs?

Leicester is known for its strong research focus and collaboration between academia and industry, making it a unique and vibrant hub within the UK space sector.

Space Jobs in Leicester

Leicester is a hub for space research and technology, home to the National Space Centre and a thriving ecosystem of space-focused organisations.

Open roles

Hiring companies

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Leicester is a key player in the UK's space sector, boasting the National Space Centre and a cluster of research institutions and companies. The city is a focal point for space science, satellite technology, and Earth observation. Major employers include the University of Leicester, which has a strong reputation in space research, and a range of private companies working on cutting-edge space projects. The local job market is a mix of on-site and hybrid roles, with a strong emphasis on innovation and collaboration.

Live jobs

2 live roles

University Of Leicester

Research Associate in International Space Law

Leicester
On-site
£40,704 pa
Entry level
Contract

Undertake a funded research project in international space law, focusing on the responsibility of private actors for activities in outer space, including environmental protection, resource utilisation and property rights. Based at Space Park Leicester within an interdisciplinary centre, you will collect and analyse data, publish findings and engage with academic, industry and government stakeholders.

6 days ago

University Of Leicester

Research Associate in Planetary Atmospheric Science

Leicester
£40,704 – £46,970 pa
Entry level
Contract

Postdoctoral role analysing JWST, ground-based and Juno infrared and microwave observations of the four giant planets, inverting spectra with radiative transfer and retrieval tools such as NEMESIS to derive temperatures, winds, composition and clouds. Based in the Planetary Science Group under Professor Leigh Fletcher, funded by an ERC Advanced Grant preparing the team for ELT and JUICE data in the 2030s.

JWST · NEMESIS · Juno +2

Last month

Roles further afield

A little outside Leicester, but within reach.

Ernest Gordon Recruitment

Quality Engineer (Composites / Aerospace)

Ilkeston
On-site
£43,000 – £48,000 pa
Mid-level
Permanent

Maintains and improves quality standards in a composites and aerospace manufacturing environment, handling 8D investigations, root cause analysis, NCRs and CAPA. Conducts internal and external audits and acts as liaison between engineering teams, clients and external stakeholders, with training and progression to senior quality roles.

ERP

4 days ago

Ernest Gordon Recruitment

CNC Machinist (Aerospace/Defence)

Nuneaton
On-site
£43,000 pa
Permanent

Setting, operating and programming 3-axis to 5-axis CNC machines using Siemens and Heidenhain controls, producing small-batch specialist components for aerospace and defence clients. Days-based Monday to Friday in a large, clean workshop within a tight-knit team, with occasional overtime and early finishes on Fridays.

Siemens · Heidenhain

Last week

Rolls Royce · Public

Quantum Computational Science Specialist

Derby
Hybrid
Senior

Lead quantum computing research at Rolls-Royce, developing error-corrected algorithms and hybrid quantum-classical workflows for aerospace design. Work spans quantum chemistry, linear equation solvers, tensor networks and HPC emulation, collaborating with quantum companies, universities and government labs.

PennyLane · QuEST · Azure DevOps +1

2 weeks ago

Rolls Royce · Public

Global Digital & IT Risk Manager

Derby
On-site
Senior
Permanent

Leads the operation and continuous improvement of the Digital & IT risk management framework across a global, highly regulated aerospace and defence organisation. Facilitates risk workshops, produces dashboards and executive reporting, and partners with cyber security, engineering, legal and assurance teams to drive measurable risk reduction. Supports the VP Digital Risk & Compliance with a global remit spanning multiple jurisdictions and security environments.

COBIT

2 weeks ago

Rolls Royce · Public

Electrical Design Engineer

Derby
Hybrid · 3 days in office
Mid-level

Design and deliver electrical infrastructure for aerospace engine and rig test facilities, from requirements capture and calculations through detailed design, manufacture oversight and acceptance testing. Work under the Technical Authority with product definition teams, chairing design reviews and ensuring legislative compliance across civil and defence test programmes.

BS7671 · BS6739 · IEC 61508 +7

SC clearance Last week

Rolls Royce · Public

Software & Control Systems Engineers

Derby

Engineers work across the full lifecycle of control, monitoring and embedded software for aerospace products, from requirements and architecture through development, verification and deployment. Activities span control systems design, model-based design, systems integration and safety-critical software development within the Defence business. Roles sit in multidisciplinary Software Systems teams supporting current and future programmes.

SC clearance Last month

Rolls Royce · Public

Electrical & Electronics Engineers

Derby

Design, integrate and develop advanced electrical systems for aerospace and defence products, covering areas such as electrical machines, power electronics, power distribution and control systems. Engineers work within multidisciplinary teams on next-generation power systems in complex engineering environments, with security clearance supported by the employer.

SC clearance Last month

Rolls Royce · Public

Digital Engineering & Configuration Engineers

Derby

Supports the management, control and utilisation of engineering information across the product lifecycle within the Defence business, working at the intersection of engineering, data and technology. Covers digital design, product data and configuration management, PLM, engineering data governance and digital transformation. Requires a security check clearance and UK national status.

PLM

SC clearance Last month

The scene

Hiring in Leicester

Leicester's space sector is characterised by a strong emphasis on research and innovation. The presence of the University of Leicester and the National Space Centre attracts a diverse range of talent, from early-career researchers to experienced engineers. Companies in the area often collaborate closely with these institutions, fostering a dynamic and collaborative environment.

The city's job market is well-balanced between on-site and hybrid roles, allowing professionals to choose the work environment that best suits their needs. Whether you're working in a cutting-edge laboratory or collaborating remotely, Leicester offers a wealth of opportunities for those passionate about space technology and science.

FAQs

Common questions

Common roles include space scientists, satellite engineers, data analysts, and project managers. The focus is on research and development.
Many roles are on-site to utilise the city's advanced facilities, but there are also hybrid options available, especially for data analysis and project management.
The University of Leicester, the National Space Centre, and various private space technology companies are the primary employers.
Leicester is known for its strong research focus and collaboration between academia and industry, making it a unique and vibrant hub within the UK space sector.

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