Aircraft Engineer
Diagnose and repair complex aircraft systems to keep commercial fleets airworthy.
This UK aircraft 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
- £35,000 - £42,000
- Mid-career salary
- £45,000 - £55,000
- Senior salary
- £60,000 - £80,000
- Work environment
- Hangar, ramp, sometimes outdoors
- Time to entry
- 3 - 5 Years (apprenticeship + EASA Part-66)
- Degree required
- Preferred - apprenticeship route common
- Category
- Aviation and Aerospace
What a Aircraft Engineer does
Diagnose and repair complex aircraft systems to keep commercial fleets airworthy.
How to become a Aircraft Engineer
- Look up Aircraft Engineer roles on LinkedIn or Indeed and read 5 real job ads
- Talk to someone already working as a Aircraft 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
- Mechanical diagnosis
- Attention to detail
- EASA regulation knowledge
- Teamwork