What To Expect From the Aerospace Job Market

Jake Appleton • September 16, 2025

The UK aerospace sector is thriving, creating exciting career opportunities across engineering, manufacturing, digital transformation, and sustainability. As demand continues to grow, candidates must understand the current market landscape and what employers are looking for to secure the best opportunities.

This article includes insight from Jake Appleton, Managing Director at Meritus Talent, who works closely with leading aerospace employers across the UK. His perspective highlights where the market is heading and how candidates can stay competitive in this evolving sector.

Market Outlook

Despite wider fluctuations in the UK labour market, aerospace remains a resilient and growing sector. In 2025, new aerospace job postings increased slightly, reflecting ongoing demand for skilled professionals.

Growth isn’t uniform, with certain regions standing out as centres of opportunity, such as:

Scotland: with a +9.2% increase in aerospace job postings.
South West: with a +4.7% increase in aerospace job postings.

These areas, home to advanced R&D and manufacturing facilities, are shaping the future of aerospace innovation.

Global forecasts suggest demand for 38,000 large passenger aircraft over the next 20 years. This long-term need positions the UK aerospace industry as a stable and future-focused sector, offering candidates a strong career pipeline.

Skills in demand:

Employers are looking for professionals who bring both technical expertise and adaptability. Key areas of demand include:

Engineering & Digital Skills: Systems integration, digital engineering, AI, predictive maintenance, and additive manufacturing.
Sustainability Knowledge: Experience with sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), hydrogen propulsion, and decarbonisation technologies.
Hands-On Experience: Practical skills are often prioritised over academic qualifications, especially in emerging technology areas.

Recruitment trends:

Average aerospace salaries are getting increasingly competitive and rising by 5.1%, outpacing the general industry median, as employers compete to attract and retain top talent.

Higher-level apprenticeships (Level 4+) are expanding rapidly. STEM-related apprenticeships now account for nearly 29% of all starts, providing clear pathways into advanced aerospace careers.

Employers are increasingly partnering with universities and training providers, creating opportunities for candidates to gain new skills while contributing to innovative projects.

How to stand out in aerospace recruitment:

Highlight in-demand skills. Showcase your experience in digital transformation, sustainability, and systems integration.
Show adaptability. Employers value professionals who embrace new technologies and can pivot quickly.
Communicate soft skills. Collaboration, communication, and problem-solving are essential in team-driven aerospace environments.
Consider apprenticeships. Whether starting out or upskilling, apprenticeships provide structured learning and hands-on experience in cutting-edge areas.

The Bottom Line

The job market for UK aerospace professionals is full of opportunity. By developing in-demand skills, demonstrating adaptability, and taking a proactive approach, candidates can position themselves for long-term success in a sector that is both innovative and critical to the UK economy.

As Jake Appleton explains, “The aerospace sector offers huge opportunities for those ready to embrace change and invest in their skills. The candidates who succeed will be those who combine technical expertise with adaptability and a drive to contribute to the future of sustainable aviation.”

How we can help:

Meritus is the fastest growing Aerospace, Defence and Space brand in the UK.

Our aerospace recruitment consultants have years of experience in matching the world’s qualified experts and leaders in defence, space, and aerospace to amplified career opportunities.

If you’re seeking a new career in aerospace, contact us at info@meritustalent.com to find out how we can assist you.

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