How to get on the aerospace industry job ladder

The aerospace industry is entering its most challenging yet prosperous period to date, which is good news for those looking to enter the industry at this time. Increasing global air transport needs, climate change and the development of microjets and space tourism in the future will ensure this industry remains at the forefront of engineering innovation for some time.

All of this translates into more job opportunities for graduates and aerospace industry professionals across the board, from technical roles (scientists, engineers, technicians and technologists) to non-technical roles (finance, human resources and accounting).

Job opportunities

Job opportunities in aerospace are most abundant in those parts of the world where the industry is booming. The US continues to lead the world aerospace market, with its most profitable sector being manufacturing. According to the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) the number of production job opportunities in the manufacturing sector here has increased significantly in the past year and will continue to do so in years to come. Aerospace engineers are highly sought after in the US, making up 59.6% of the aerospace manufacturing and production roles according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

In the UK, the world’s number two market leader in aerospace, the research and development sector is experiencing the biggest boom at present according to the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) who reported a funding increase for the sector of 20% since last year. Aerospace firms of all sizes, as well as defence organisations, are usually involved in some R&D activity, which may cover the study and creation of aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and component parts and systems. The current focus in R&D is on designing new technology for aircraft and spacecraft that will reduce carbon emissions, fuel burn and NOx emissions.

Career pathways

A university degree is almost essential for entering the aerospace industry - particularly for science or engineering roles. Diploma qualifications may secure apprenticeship positions, but pathways up the job ladder for these candidates will be slower and limited compared with university graduates. Specialisations in aerospace or aeronautical engineering are highly relevant, but engineers with other majors are also extremely sought after.

Pathways from university into the workplace are highly streamlined in the aerospace industry. Major global manufacturing companies such as Rolls Royce, BAE Systems, United Technologies, Boeing and EADS have rigorous graduate employment programs in place, as well as ongoing professional development programmes. In the face of engineering skills shortages, aerospace organisations must work actively to recruit and retain the most highly skilled candidates.

What does the skills shortage mean for you?

For employers in Europe and the US, the engineering skills shortages are forcing companies to look offshore for workers, but offshore engineers are still a scarce resource. In the once-renowned skills capitals of China and India, qualified workers are also in short supply.

For graduates, the skills shortage trend means that the opportunities for qualified engineers are considerable; however, competition for aerospace positions is still fierce. Those who have a combination of the right skills, degree, postgraduate qualifications, work experience and personal qualities will have the edge over other candidates.

Work experience

Internships are becoming essential to have on your CV if you’re after a top job at one of the major aerospace companies. A period of work experience not only shows you can apply your skills and knowledge to practical situations in the workplace, but that you genuinely have the interest and self-motivation to be involved in the industry.

Once employed at an engineering firm, manufacturer, defence department or other, professional development programs are an industry standard - implemented for the benefit of the individual and the company. Furthering staff’s knowledge and retaining talent are high on aerospace employer’s agenda. You may start in production and end up in research and development in the larger companies. If you are a valuable employee, aerospace companies will take pains to ensure you find what you’re looking for within the organisation.

Types of jobs

The aerospace industry comprises a very broad range of professionals, from engineers, scientists and technicians upstream to other downstream business management roles. Recent engineering graduates could find themselves on a research and development team designing a satellite launcher, testing the latest environmentally friendly turbine or on the production team creating the latest F-35 Joint Strike Fighter plane. Other graduates might join the human resources team of a large aerospace manufacturer to develop strategies for attracting, recruiting and retaining skilled employees. 

Job outlook

In the US, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that aerospace engineers will have a slower than average growth in employment up to 2014, but even so the growth rate appears favourable. Salaries for engineers are also favourable, with some inflation due to skills shortages and the need for employers to attract candidates. In the UK, aerospace engineering was recently found to be the most profitable sector for engineering graduates by the Engineering Employers’ Federation, with a starting salary of £20,363. Increased funding for UK and Europe aerospace is having a positive impact on job prospects in these areas.