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Image 2025 06 17 T14 43 23

How to Start a Career in Aerospace Engineering in the UK

ATA Recruitment

How to Start a Career in Aerospace Engineering in the UK

In 2024, the UK aerospace sector is valued at approximately £34 billion, supports over 100,000 high-skilled jobs. It is committed to cutting-edge research and development. If you're an engineer contemplating a career move, aerospace manufacturing offers unrivalled opportunities to innovate, excel, and impact globally. Here are our 7 top reasons to join the Aerospace sector:

1. Work with Cutting‑Edge Technology

Aerospace engineering is where technology meets precision. Engineers in this field tackle challenges in:

  • Materials science (lightweight composites, high-temp alloys)

  • Aerodynamics and propulsion system optimisation

  • Advanced automation and digital manufacturing. In 2024, the UK aerospace sector invested around £2  billion in R&D, underscoring its appetite for innovation.

2. Take Part in Iconic Projects

From commercial jets to satellites and defence systems, aerospace projects are high-profile:

  • Roles span aircraft, spacecraft, UAVs, and propulsion systems

  • Major UK players include BAE Systems, Rolls‑Royce, Airbus, and others. Engineers contribute to missions that connect people, drive research, and protect national security.

3. Collaborate on a Global Scale

UK aerospace is deeply international:

  • Over £45 billion of UK aerospace output is exported, reflecting global integration

  • Engineers often work on international supply chains with government agencies, primes, and R&D partners. This exposes you to cross-cultural teamwork and global career mobility.

4. Build a Long‑Term, High‑Trajectory Career

With a foundation in aerospace manufacturing, engineers can progress through:

  • Technical roles → Project/Engineering Manager → Executive leadership

According to the ATA 2024 Salary Insights Report, engineers in the aerospace sector typically earn:

Job Role

Average Salary

​Maintenance/Manufacturing Engineers

​£38,000 – £48,000

​Project Engineers

​£45,000 – £55,000

​Design/Development Engineers

​£42,000 – £60,000

​Engineering Managers

​£60,000 – £75,000+

The sector has ongoing investment in R&D and a steady flow of projects from commercial aviation to defence. This means that aerospace engineering offers a career path with excellent rewards and progression.

Aerospace offers structured pathways for maintenance engineers to progress into supervisory, technical specialist, or leadership roles.

5. Enjoy Stability in a High‑Performance Sector

Aerospace remains resilient:

  • Demand driven by global fleet expansion, satellite launches, and defence modernisation

  • Sector growth remains steady , ADS reports the sector grew by 64% in the last decade, even through economic cycles

  • Resilience = job security, even in downturns

​As aircraft demand grows globally, skilled maintenance engineers remain essential to safe, reliable fleet operations.

6. Thrive in a Rigorous, Safety‑Driven Environment

Precision and performance matter:

  • Work within strict frameworks set by the Civil Aviation Authority and international regulators

  • You'll help design systems that demand 100% reliability and safety

  • Ideal for engineers who strive for excellence and attention to detail

7. Make a Real‑World Impact

Aerospace engineers contribute to major societal milestones:

  • Efficient global travel, connecting people and economies

  • Enhancing national security and advancing scientific discovery

  • Pioneering next-generation flight (e.g., cleaner, autonomous systems)

By keeping aircraft flight-ready, maintenance engineers directly contribute to global travel, defence, and exploration.

Ready to Explore Engineer Jobs in Aerospace?

If you're an Engineer looking to apply your skills in a future-focused, high-tech, and globally connected industry, aerospace manufacturing is a smart career move. From design and development to precision manufacturing and systems integration, engineers play a vital role in advancing the next generation of aerospace technology. Maintenance and production engineers are especially in demand to ensure systems run safely, efficiently, and to the highest standards.

At ATA Recruitment, we connect Engineers with leading employers in the UK’s dynamic aerospace sector. Whether you're looking for a permanent, contract, or executive role, our specialist team can help you find the right opportunity to take your career to new heights.

Search our latest engineer jobs in aerospace manufacturing

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