How to Become an Aerospace Engineer in the UK
Aerospace engineers design, analyse and test aircraft, engines, satellites and the systems inside them. You might model airflow over a wing, run stress calculations on a component, plan a test campaign or write certification evidence, working for an aircraft manufacturer, engine maker, defence firm, space company or one of their suppliers.
Most people get in with an accredited engineering degree followed by a graduate scheme. Degree apprenticeships are a growing alternative, letting you earn a salary while you study. Many defence and space roles also need security clearance, which can depend on your nationality and how long you have lived in the UK.
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
Compare pay across careers in the UK salaries by career report. Also in: High-paying careers.
What a Aerospace Engineer does
Design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion systems for commercial, defence or space programmes.
How to become an aerospace engineer in the UK
The usual route is a BEng or MEng in aeronautical, aerospace or mechanical engineering, accredited by a professional body such as the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) or IMechE. You need strong maths and physics at A level or equivalent. An accredited MEng fully meets the academic requirement for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status. Alternatively, a Level 6 aerospace engineering degree apprenticeship lets you earn while you study, and some people start on a Level 3 engineering technician apprenticeship and progress. After graduating, join a graduate scheme, then work towards CEng through the RAeS or IMechE.
- Take A levels or equivalents in maths and physics, as almost every accredited aerospace or aeronautical engineering degree requires both.
- Apply for an accredited BEng or MEng in aerospace, aeronautical or mechanical engineering, or a Level 6 aerospace engineering degree apprenticeship with an employer.
- Get hands-on experience through a summer internship, a year in industry, or student projects such as Formula Student, rocketry or drone design competitions.
- Learn the tools employers list in adverts, such as CAD (CATIA, Siemens NX or SolidWorks), finite element analysis, CFD, MATLAB and Python.
- Apply for graduate schemes early in your final year, as many aerospace and defence employers recruit graduates up to a year ahead.
- Join the Royal Aeronautical Society or IMechE as a student member, then record evidence of your competence towards Chartered Engineer status.
- Check security clearance rules early if you want defence or space work, since some programmes are restricted to UK nationals.
| Route | How long | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accredited BEng/MEng, then graduate scheme | 3-4 years, plus a 2-year scheme | Tuition fee loan | School leavers with maths and physics |
| Level 6 aerospace degree apprenticeship | 4-5 years | Paid by the employer | Earning while you study |
| Level 3 engineering apprenticeship, then progress | 3-4 years, then part-time study | Paid by the employer | Hands-on learners not ready for university |
| Related engineering degree, then move across | 3-4 years | Tuition fee loan | Mechanical, electrical or software graduates |
How long it takes
Plan on three to five years: three or four years for an accredited degree, then a graduate scheme before you work independently. Degree apprentices are paid from day one and usually qualify in four to five years.
Aerospace Engineer salary in the UK
Graduate aerospace engineers usually start on around £32,000 to £40,000. With three to five years' experience and responsibility for a system or component, pay rises to roughly £45,000 to £60,000. Senior, principal and chief engineers, especially those with Chartered status, earn about £65,000 to £95,000. Pay depends on the employer, security clearance, specialism such as propulsion or avionics, and location, with major clusters around Bristol, Derby, the North West and the South East.
Key skills
- CAD / simulation
- Mathematics
- Systems thinking
- Technical writing
Aerospace Engineer FAQs
How do I become an aerospace engineer in the UK?
Take maths and physics A levels, then study an accredited aerospace, aeronautical or mechanical engineering degree, or join a Level 6 aerospace degree apprenticeship. Most graduates then join an employer's graduate scheme and work towards Chartered Engineer status.
Do I need a degree to be an aerospace engineer?
For design and analysis roles, usually yes, or a degree apprenticeship that gives you one. Without a degree you can start as an aerospace technician through a Level 3 apprenticeship and study part-time towards an engineering degree later.
How much does an aerospace engineer earn in the UK?
Graduates typically start on £32,000 to £40,000. With a few years' experience, aerospace engineers earn around £45,000 to £60,000, and senior or chartered engineers reach about £65,000 to £95,000 depending on employer, sector and specialism.
Can I be an aerospace engineer with a mechanical engineering degree?
Yes. Many aerospace employers recruit mechanical, electrical, materials and software engineering graduates, particularly for stress analysis, systems, avionics and manufacturing roles. Aerospace modules or a relevant final-year project will strengthen your application.
Is Aerospace Engineer right for you?
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