Jobs in Aerospace and Defense

Jobs in aerospace and defense  

 Senior careers in aerospace and defense attract experienced professionals who want to work on complex programmes with real-world impact. For candidates with the right skills, this sector offers a broad range of leadership roles, long-term project visibility and the chance to work with advanced technology.  

The scope of aerospace and defense  

The aerospace and defense sector covers commercial aviation, defense, space and security programmes. Senior talent is needed across prime contractors, systems integrators and specialist suppliers that design, manufacture and support aircraft, spacecraft, defense platforms and mission systems. Large multi-year programmes, strict regulation and security requirements mean organisations rely on experienced leaders who can manage risk, maintain safety standards and deliver to demanding customer expectations.  

Core senior job families  

Senior roles cluster around several core job families. Systems engineering leaders are responsible for defining architectures, integrating hardware and software, and ensuring performance across the full lifecycle of a platform or mission. Design and development leaders translate customer requirements into certified products and oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams. Programme and project leaders manage cost, schedule and risk on complex programmes, while senior commercial, contracts and bid leaders shape winning propositions and manage long-term customer relationships.  

Senior engineering and manufacturing careers  

Engineering and manufacturing careers at the senior level play a central role in delivery. Senior engineering managers and chief engineers take technical accountability for major work packages, guiding teams working on structures, avionics, propulsion, materials and test. They are accountable for safety, airworthiness and compliance with standards, often acting as the technical authority when decisions carry significant performance or safety implications. On the manufacturing side, operations directors, plant managers and heads of manufacturing engineering lead high-value production facilities, driving quality, delivery and continuous improvement while managing large, cross-functional workforces.  

Digital, AI and robotics leadership  

As the sector adopts new technologies, digital leadership roles have become more prominent. Senior specialists in AI, data, and software are leading programmes that use predictive analytics for maintenance, digital twins for design and test, and advanced simulation for mission planning. Robotics and automation leaders oversee the implementation of intelligent manufacturing systems, autonomous vehicles and remotely operated platforms. These roles require a deep understanding of engineering environments as well as experience leading cross-functional digital transformation in highly regulated, security-conscious settings.  

Space, innovation and advanced technology roles  

Space, innovation and advanced technology programmes present another area of opportunity for senior professionals. Space systems directors, heads of satellite programmes and R&D leaders are responsible for portfolios covering communications satellites, observation platforms and new launch technologies. In defense and security, senior leaders work on hypersonic systems, advanced sensors, secure communications and cyber capabilities. These positions combine technical oversight with strategy, requiring the ability to build roadmaps, secure investment and collaborate with partners and government stakeholders across borders.  

Skills and qualifications employers expect  

Employers expect senior candidates to bring a strong mix of qualifications and experience. Many leaders have degrees in aerospace, mechanical, electrical or systems engineering, combined with professional registration and formal project or programme management credentials. Security clearances are often essential, along with in-depth knowledge of relevant standards, safety processes and regulatory frameworks. Beyond technical expertise, organisations look for systems thinking, resilience, decision-making under pressure and the ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams that may be spread across multiple sites and countries.   

Typical pathways into senior roles  

There are several common pathways into senior roles in aerospace and defense. Many leaders begin in graduate engineering or operations roles, building experience on key platforms and gaining exposure to full lifecycle delivery. Over time, they move into lead engineer positions, then into functional management or project management roles where they take responsibility for larger teams and budgets. Others transition from military or government careers into senior roles within industry, bringing valuable end-user insight and stakeholder relationships that are highly relevant for defence programmes.  

What senior candidates look for  

Senior candidates in this sector tend to look for specific attributes in potential employers. Long term programme stability, technical challenge and the opportunity to work on projects with a clear purpose are high on the list. Many experienced professionals want clear progression routes into executive leadership, whether through technical leadership tracks that recognise deep expertise or general management routes that lead to director-level roles. There is also growing interest in flexible working models, inclusive cultures, sustainability commitments and investment in innovation that keeps organisations at the forefront of technology.   

How we support senior aerospace and defense talent  

At Mackinnon Bruce International, we are recruitment experts in aerospace and defense. We focus on leadership and specialist searches, so we understand the nuances of security requirements, clearance timelines and the balance between deep technical expertise and broader leadership skills. Our team provides insight into hiring trends, salary expectations and location opportunities, and we maintain relationships with hiring leaders and decision makers across the sector. This means we can connect senior candidates with opportunities that align with their long-term ambitions, including roles that may be confidential or not formally advertised.   

Next steps for senior aerospace and defense professionals  

For candidates who are ready to take the next step in their aerospace and defense careers, it is useful to take a structured approach. Reviewing your experience against current priority skills, updating your CV to highlight major programmes, leadership responsibilities and security status, and gathering clear evidence of delivery on cost, schedule and performance all help position you strongly. Staying informed about technology and policy developments in areas such as space, AI, robotics, and cyber will also strengthen conversations with potential employers, as it shows awareness of the direction of the sector.  

Senior professionals who want guidance on their next role in aerospace and defense can speak directly with our team at Mackinnon Bruce International. Our aerospace and defense industry page outlines our capability across leadership and specialist searches in this sector and provides a straightforward way to contact us for confidential support with your career plans.