Aeronautical & Defence Industry Jobs | Jobs Classifieds

Have you ever thought about a career that is unique and unconventional? Jobs in the aeronautical and defence industries offer exciting opportunities for both graduates and non-graduates. The aeronautical and defence industries in the UK are highly-respected worldwide. They sit at the forefront of scientific and technological developments. As a result, this is one of the most diverse, technically advanced and challenging industries to work in today.

First Steps to Finding a Job in Aeronautics and Defence
Studying for qualifications in aeronautics and defence can be your passport to a successful and rewarding career within these varied industries.

There are various routes you can take to secure an aeronautical or defence job. One of the more popular qualifications involves embarking on an Engineering Course. This generally involves 3 years full-time studying for Bachelors of Engineering and a further 4 years full-time studying for a Masters in Engineering. Many degree programmes provide students opportunities to undertake industrial placements within the UK and overseas. Industrial placements are an excellent way to gain real-life working experience which will be invaluable when you start applying for jobs.

Alternatively, those who wish to carry on with their academic study, the UK offers an impressive range of postgraduate level aeronautical or engineering-based degree courses. Postgraduates may have more opportunities to enter the aeronautical and defence industries at a senior level. They normally enjoy strong career prospects and can command high salaries. However, postgraduate study can be very demanding. It is also necessary to bear in mind that some employers may favour actual industrial working experience over advanced qualifications.

Postgraduates can also find employment at various Universities teaching and researching the various branches of aeronautics and defence. Academic positions include lecturers, professors and researchers.

Besides good academic qualifications, the following attributes -- including strong oral and written communication, team-working, analytical and innovative skills and time management -- provide a sound basis for looking for employment in the aeronautical and defence industries.

Main Career Opportunities within Aeronautics and Defence
Aeronautical and Defence engineers are at the leading edge of technology. These particular industries tend to attract the very best people, and there are many interesting opportunities to enter these industries at different levels.

It is a good time to be looking for employment in the aeronautical and defence industries. This is especially true of aeronautical engineering graduates who are currently in high demand, mainly due to the increase in air travel. Career opportunities can be found mainly with:

Leading aerospace and aviation employers
The Armed Forces -- army, navy, air force
Government departments including the Department for Trade and Industry (DTI), Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the Department for Environment, Transport and Regions (DETR)
Agencies such as the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency (DERA) and Defence Procurement Agency (DPA)
Regulatory authorities such as the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
Airline operators
Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who provide technical services or manufacture specialist products to supply to the aerospace and aviation industries

Ways to Find Jobs in Aeronautics and Defence

Online Specialist Recruitment Agencies
As many of these types of jobs tend to be highly-specialised positions, you need to register with an online niche recruitment agency with established relationships with every major aeronautical and defence employer. These recruitment specialists will generally offer both permanent and contract vacancies. Some examples of the employment opportunities they offer include Systems Engineering, Software Development , Electrical and Electronic Design ,CAD Design, Project Planning and Project Management, Manufacturing and New Build , ILS Support and Technical Publications, Safety, Reliability and Maintainability, Field Trials and Technical Support, Skilled Trades within Maintenance, Refurbishment and Repair, Procurement, Contract and Sub-Contract Management . . . and many more. Additionally, they will cover more general vacancies for personnel in the areas of Procurement, IT, Sales, Marketing and Human Resources.

Useful Websites with Job Vacancies
In addition to Classifieds, the following websites may provide a selection of career opportunities and advice within the aeronautical and defence industries:

www.aerospace-technology.com -- besides advertising potential jobs, this website includes industry news, coverage of projects under development, an aerospace industry catalogue, a listing of aerospace contractors and suppliers. Also look at www.airforce-technology.com and www.airport-technology.com

www.raes.org.uk -- this is the website for the Royal Aeronautical Society which is the only professional body worldwide that serves the entire aeronautical community. You can either upload your CV on the website or visit the Society's Careers Centre in person. Consultants are available to give advice on careers in aerospace and aviation. They will give you advice on all types of career pathways within the civil and military sectors of the aerospace industry, from engineering and maintenance through to airline pilots and cabin crew. Even if you are an experienced professional seeking further career development, you will also find this service worth visiting. In detail, they offer one-to-one guidance on CVs, online applications, interview preparation and more. Advisors will also consult on the latest techniques in job-hunting and recruitment methods. The Society also produce a range of literature and information including the following:

Career Profiles
Information on Study and Apprenticeship
Job-hunting Packs
Magazines and Journals
The service is free to members while charges apply to non-members.

www.bnsc.gov.uk -- The British National Space Centre's website contains useful details about working in the industry. It also has a Space Directory with a searchable list of industry and academics involved in space, including many aeronautical companies.

www.berr.gov.uk -- The Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform provides business information and guidance for the aerospace and defence sector in the UK.

www.esa.int -- The European Space Agency provides information about the work of the ESA as well as a detailed careers section. It will enable you to find out about student placements, graduate trainee positions, career opportunities and current vacancies.

www.scottish-enterprise.com -- The Scottish Aerospace Industry, part of Scottish Enterprise website is dedicated to promoting and helping the industry in Scotland. It provides a Scottish Aerospace and Defence Directory of companies and information on initiatives, news, facts & figures and company links.

www.sbac.co.uk -- The Society of British Aerospace Companies is a national trade association of the UK Aerospace Industry representing the civil air transport, aerospace defence and space industries operating in the UK.

www.environmental.org.uk -- The Society of Environmental Engineers (SEE) is a professional body which exists to promote awareness of the discipline of environmental engineering, as well as to offer their members information about training and representation. They have a useful 'Situations Vacant' section advertising jobs.

www.space-careers.com -- this is a niche website advertising jobs in the space industry. The jobs section is managed by space professionals, to support the space industry with recruitment issues in the UK and worldwide. It also offers the largest online space industry directory with direct links to the employment sections of many companies and useful links to many professional bodies.

Recruitment Advertisements in National Newspaper -- A few national broadsheets -- including The Guardian, The Independent, The Telegraph and The Times -- may have weekly supplements dedicated to Aeronautical and Defence jobs and careers for both degree and non-degree holders. These recruitment advertisements are available both online and offline.

Some Last Thoughts
Today's Aerospace and Defence Industry is an innovative environment with excellent career prospects for both technical and managerial positions. There are very few industries which can offer such varied and rewarding career opportunities involving leading-edge technology. Good luck with your search!