Lead Aerospace Engineer
Possible
Sponsorship likelihood
This employer issued few or no visas recently
Not disclosed
Salary
Not disclosed by employer
£52,400
Going rate
Skilled Worker going rate
This role likely qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa
SOC 2126 (80% match) is an eligible occupation, with a going rate of £52,400, and B2Space is a licensed sponsor. That is our reading of the rules. Whether they issue a Certificate of Sponsorship is still their call.
This could also be SOC 2127 (Engineering project managers and project engineers, Strong project management and team leadership responsibilities dominate the role) or SOC 2161 (Research and development (R&D) managers, Leading a team of engineers with R&D focus on flight systems). We read the code off the advert, so it is our best guess, not the employer's.
New graduate or PhD holder? Pick one of the lower rates.
What each route needs for this job
| Occupation code | New entrant 70% of going rate | STEM PhD 80% of going rate | Relevant PhD 90% of going rate | Standard rate 100% of going rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
2126 Aerospace engineers Most likely code | £36,700 | £41,900 | £47,200 | £52,400 |
2127 Engineering project managers and project engineers Also possible | £36,300 | £41,500 | £46,700 | £51,900 |
2161 Research and development (R&D) managers Also possible | £38,100 | £43,500 | £48,900 | £54,400 |
We use the lowest threshold across the plausible codes. Likelihood is Possible at most when the pay clears only a lower rate, or only under a less likely code. How the Home Office picks the code
About the role
B2Space is an innovative and dynamic aerospace company leading technological advancements in the space industry. Our mission is to deliver reliable, flexible, and cost-effective access to Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for small and micro satellites, making space accessible for everyone.
As we scale our operations, we are looking for a Lead Aerospace Engineer with 10+ years of experience to guide our team and oversee the technical work behind our high-altitude balloon platforms and flight systems.
Role Overview
As a Lead Aerospace Engineer at B2Space, you will connect high-level project goals with daily engineering work. With 10+ years of experience, you will support and direct a team of engineers, oversee design architectures, and ensure safety and technical standards from initial concept through to launch.
Key Responsibilities
Team Leadership & Project Management
- Manage & Support: Directly lead, mentor, and build a team of aerospace, mechanical, and systems engineers, encouraging innovation, technical quality, and open teamwork.
- Technical Oversight: Act as the main technical expert for high-altitude balloon projects, including pointing, recovery, guidance, and altitude control systems.
- Project Delivery: Work alongside program managers to map out project schedules, assign team resources, plan risk management, and track project budgets for major flight campaigns.
Engineering Design & Analysis
- System Architecture: Lead the end-to-end design, analysis, and refinement of high-altitude balloon subsystems using CAD, MATLAB/Simulink, and Python.
- Aerodynamic & Thermal Performance: Supervise advanced fluid dynamics (CFD) and environmental modelling to improve aerodynamic performance and thermal stability at near-space altitudes.
- Testing & Launch Operations: Direct launch campaign prep, environmental testing, verification steps, and field operations, making sure safety rules and standards are strictly followed.
Cross-Functional Work
- Coordinate cross-functional engineering work so mission requirements and industry standards are met smoothly.
- Communicate directly with external partners, suppliers, and regulatory bodies on technical requirements and project updates.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience: 10+ years of practical engineering experience in aerospace or space, including at least 3–5 years leading teams or projects.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher (Master’s/PhD preferred) in Aerospace, Mechanical, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
- Leadership Track Record: Proven background bringing complex hardware/software subsystems through the complete lifecycle, from concept to testing, validation, and flight.
- Modelling & Simulation: Advanced skill in MATLAB, Simulink, and Python for complex modelling, dynamic simulation, and data analysis.
- Design & CFD: Advanced skill in 3D CAD modelling and strong working knowledge of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for aerodynamic performance.
- Standards & Systems Engineering: Strong practical understanding of systems engineering processes, requirements management, FMEA, and testing methods.
Work Authorisation
This requisition is for a locally hired position in the United Kingdom. Candidates must possess current legal authorisation to work in the UK without requiring visa or labour sponsorship from B2Space.
This description is the source posting as it read when we added it. We are not affiliated with B2Space, so check their own site for the current details.
Where this offer sits in the market
Aerospace engineers (SOC 2126) · UK · ONS ASHE 2025 · basic pay- Median £52,468
- Going rate £52,400
- Threshold £41,700
- New entrant £36,700–47,200
ONS publishes no quartiles for this occupation, so the shaded band is a rough guide.
Similar sponsored roles
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Browse more sponsored jobs at B2SpaceAbout sponsorship for this role
Does this job guarantee visa sponsorship?
Not necessarily. B2Space holds a sponsor licence, but sponsorship for a specific hire is always the employer's decision. Be upfront in your application that you'll require it.
What salary is needed for this role to be eligible?
The offer must clear both the general threshold and the SOC 2126 going rate of £52,400. New-entrant and shortage discounts can lower it.