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Engineering

Aerospace Engineer

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Primary Secondary Post-16

Aerospace engineers in the UK design, develop, test, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work with cutting-edge technology to improve flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed, and overall performance. Aerospace engineers can specialise in areas such as aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, materials and structural analysis. Their work often involves using computer-aided design (CAD) and advanced simulation tools. Many aerospace engineers are employed by large companies like Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and Airbus, as well as smaller specialist firms and government agencies. Typical tasks might include designing new aircraft components, solving engineering problems, conducting safety tests, or researching innovative technologies. To become an aerospace engineer, you usually need a degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, and many roles require professional accreditation.

Aerospace Engineer

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📊 Statistics

Average Salary

The average salary for an aerospace engineer in the UK ranges from £28,000 for entry-level roles up to £60,000 or more for experienced engineers.

Industry Employment

There are around 34,000 people employed in the UK aerospace sector, making it one of the largest in Europe.

Job Growth

The UK aerospace industry is expected to see moderate growth, with continued demand for skilled engineers in both civil and defence sectors.

🚀 Careers in this path

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Aerodynamics Engineer

Focuses on designing and testing how air moves around aircraft and spacecraft, helping to improve efficiency and performance.

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Avionics Systems Engineer

Specialises in the electronic systems used on aircraft and spacecraft, such as navigation, communication, and flight control systems.

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Propulsion Engineer

Works on developing and improving engines and propulsion systems that power aircraft, rockets, or satellites.

Build a Strong Academic Foundation

Focus on Maths and Science at School

Achieve high grades in maths and physics at GCSE and A-level.

Aerospace engineering is highly technical, so a solid understanding of maths and physics is essential. Aim for at least a grade 6 in GCSE maths and science, and consider taking A-levels in maths, further maths, and physics. These subjects will give you the analytical and problem-solving skills needed for university and future work in aerospace engineering.

Research University and Apprenticeship Options

Investigate degree courses and higher apprenticeships in aerospace engineering or related fields.

Most aerospace engineers hold a degree in aerospace engineering or a closely related subject like mechanical engineering. Look for universities accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society or the Engineering Council. Alternatively, explore higher or degree apprenticeships with aerospace companies, which offer practical experience alongside study.

Gain Relevant Qualifications

Complete a Degree or Apprenticeship

Study for an accredited aerospace engineering degree or complete a relevant apprenticeship.

A BEng or MEng in aerospace engineering typically takes 3 to 4 years. Courses may include modules on aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics, materials, and structural analysis. Degree apprenticeships combine paid work with part-time study. Both routes lead to professional qualifications and can help you start building a network in the industry.

Undertake Work Experience

Gain practical experience through internships, placements, or summer schemes.

Many aerospace companies offer summer internships, industrial placements, or year-in-industry schemes for students. Work experience helps you apply your learning in real-world settings, develop technical skills, and make valuable industry contacts. It can also improve your chances of securing a graduate job.

Start Your Aerospace Engineering Career

Apply for Graduate Roles

Search and apply for graduate schemes or entry-level jobs with aerospace companies.

Major employers include Airbus, Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, and the UK Space Agency. Graduate roles may focus on design, testing, manufacturing, or research and development. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills, qualifications, and experience gained during your studies and placements.

Work Towards Professional Registration

Aim to become a Chartered Engineer (CEng) or Incorporated Engineer (IEng).

After gaining work experience, you can register with a professional body such as the Royal Aeronautical Society or the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Becoming chartered demonstrates your professional competence and can lead to higher salaries and more senior roles.

🎯 View Apprenticeships

Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Aerospace Engineer. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.

🎓 View Apprenticeships

Career Progressions

This page showcases various career options and the pathways to reach them. Each career listed here shares transferable skills and knowledge, making it easier for individuals to transition between them.

Your current career is highlighted to help you see how it fits into the broader landscape of potential career choices. By clicking on any career, you can learn more about it, including the training and education required to pursue it.

Remember, progressing in your career often involves further learning and training. This page provides insights into future career options as well as those that can lead up to your current one.

These career progression decisions are informed by comparing the skills and knowledge needed for different occupations, along with data on how people move between them. Explore the possibilities and discover the exciting journey ahead in your career!

Sample Qualifications

The career title 'Aerospace engineer' most closely matches 'Robotics engineer' in terms of qualifications because both professions require a strong background in engineering principles, computer programming, and systems design. Both roles often involve the development and testing of complex technological systems related to automation, engineering design, and problem-solving within high-tech environments.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly

University

You could do a degree in aerospace engineering, avionics, or a subject like:

  • electrical or electronic engineering
  • mechanical engineering
  • manufacturing or product engineering
  • physics or applied physics
  • software engineering or mathematics

Postgraduate study

You may be able to do a master's degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering if you've studied for a degree in a related subject, such as engineering.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
  • a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study

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College

You could do A levels, a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a trainee technician job with an aerospace company.

Subjects include:

  • maths, physics and design and technology
  • mechanical engineering
  • aeronautical engineering
  • electrical engineering

You would then take further training to become a fully qualified engineer.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

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Apprenticeship

You could do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to begin your career in the aerospace industry. Apprenticeships include:

  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Aerospace Software Engineer
  • Electro-Mechanical Engineer
  • Materials Science Technologist

You'll combine workplace learning with study for a degree at university.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

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Work

You might be able to join a company as an aerospace engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.

Direct Application

You can apply for aerospace engineering jobs if you've got relevant qualifications and experience. For example, you might have worked in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.

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Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Royal Aeronautical Society for professional development, career resources and to make industry contacts.

Further information

You can find out more about working in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace.

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