How the UK aerospace sector hires graduates across civil aircraft, defence and space, which occupation code applies, the salary a sponsored role would need, and current aerospace engineering vacancies. UK aerospace engineering runs on long programmes and rigorous certification. Civil aerospace is built around wing, engine and systems design and manufacture for the large airliner programmes and their supply chains; defence aerospace covers combat aircraft, helicopters and missiles; and a growing space sector designs satellites, launch systems and ground segments. Graduates specialise early into structures and stress, systems, aerodynamics, propulsion, avionics or manufacturing engineering, and the discipline's culture is one of evidence and traceability — every design decision must be justified against a requirement and a standard. International graduates should read the clearance and export-control statement on every advert: it decides eligibility more often than technical fit does. The Royal Aeronautical Society accredits degrees and provides the route to Chartered Engineer.
Occupation code 2126 is listed as eligible for the Skilled Worker route, so an aerospace engineering job at a licensed sponsor can support an application if the salary meets the applicable requirement and the other rules are met. Separately, many aerospace roles have clearance or export-control requirements that apply regardless of visa status.
SOC 2020 code 2126, "Aerospace engineers". The published related titles include aeronautical engineers, avionics engineers and aircraft engineers at professional level.
Normally the higher of the general threshold (£41,700) and the occupation going rate. For code 2126 the published standard going rate is £52,400. A qualifying new entrant may instead be assessed against the 70% column of £36,700, subject to the new-entrant general threshold of £33,400 and all other requirements. A separate transitional rate of £43,400 applies only in specific circumstances. Confirm current figures on GOV.UK.
Yes in civil aerospace and much of the space sector, where clearance is less common. Defence aerospace roles usually require UK security clearance based on residence history and may be restricted by export controls, so read the eligibility statement on each advert before applying.
Not for entry. An accredited BEng gets graduate roles, but an MEng or master's is the standard educational base for chartership, and specialist roles in aerodynamics, propulsion and space systems often prefer it.
Civil airframe and engine manufacturers, wing and systems suppliers, defence aerospace primes, helicopter and missile manufacturers, satellite and launch companies and engineering consultancies serving them. Whether a specific vacancy is sponsored is decided by the employer.