Aerospace Engineer
Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion systems for commercial, defence or space programmes.
This UK aerospace engineer career guide covers what the role involves day to day, typical salary at each stage, the usual entry route, the skills employers expect, and related careers worth comparing.
Quick facts
- Starting salary
- £32,000 - £40,000
- Mid-career salary
- £45,000 - £60,000
- Senior salary
- £65,000 - £95,000
- Work environment
- Office, lab, test facility
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 Years (degree + grad scheme)
- Degree required
- Yes - engineering degree
- Category
- Aviation and Aerospace
What a Aerospace Engineer does
Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion systems for commercial, defence or space programmes.
How to become a Aerospace Engineer
- Look up Aerospace Engineer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Aerospace Engineer - even a 15-minute call helps
- Find one beginner course or qualification used by people in this role
- Build one small piece of evidence you've explored this (project, shadowing, short course)
- Apply to one entry-level role or related opportunity within the next month
Key skills
- CAD / simulation
- Mathematics
- Systems thinking
- Technical writing