As the UK strengthens its commitment to national security while balancing environmental responsibilities, the aerospace and defence (A&D) sector offers exciting opportunities for professionals currently working in renewable energy. With both industries sharing a foundation in cutting-edge engineering and technological innovation, energy professionals bring valuable expertise that can address the mounting talent challenges facing A&D.
The A&D sector offers not only cutting-edge innovation but also exceptional career stability. With long-term, government-backed projects and multi-year investment commitments, it's one of the most secure markets to work in. Programmes like next-generation submarines and fighter jets often span decades and involve multi-billion-pound budgets; offering unmatched project scale and complexity for professionals in areas like engineering, project management, and safety.
The Talent Gap Meets Green Expertise
The A&D industry is facing an unprecedented talent shortage. According to recent industry research, the sector could face a shortfall of over one million skilled professionals by 2030. This challenge comes at a critical time when innovation in defence technologies is essential to national security.
Meanwhile, professionals in the renewable energy sector have developed specialised skills working with complex systems, managing projects with exacting standards, and pushing the boundaries of efficiency – exactly the kind of expertise A&D employers are desperate to secure.
Why Make the Move to Aerospace & Defence?
For energy professionals considering their next career move, A&D offers compelling advantages:
National Security Impact: Apply your technical knowledge to projects that directly contribute to protecting national interests and strategic capabilities.
Dual-Purpose Innovation: Many defence technologies have applications in environmental monitoring and protection – from satellite systems tracking climate change to aircraft designed with fuel efficiency in mind.
Career Stability: With increased defence spending across Europe and long-term procurement programmes, A&D offers robust job security and advancement opportunities.
Technical Challenge: If you thrive on solving complex engineering problems, A&D provides some of the most demanding and rewarding technical challenges available.
Transferable Environmental Expertise: Your knowledge of sustainable practices can help drive the A&D sector's increasing focus on reducing its environmental footprint.
Key Transferable Skills in High Demand
Energy professionals have numerous skills that align perfectly with A&D requirements:
Mechanical Design Engineering
Renewable energy engineers bring invaluable expertise to A&D, including:
Experience designing systems that withstand harsh environmental conditions – perfect for aerospace applications
Knowledge of advanced materials and structural integrity from wind turbine design
Expertise in thermal management from solar power systems
Understanding of fluid dynamics from hydroelectric and marine energy systems
Precision engineering skills developed in energy generation equipment
Electrical, Control & Instrumentation (EC&I)
For those with a background in Control & Instrumentation (C&I), the transition into A&D can be seamless. Safety and compliance are paramount in both sectors, with shared standards such as IEC 61508 and IEC 61511 commonly applied.
EC&I specialists from renewable energy backgrounds offer critical capabilities:
Power systems management and distribution expertise from grid integration projects
Experience with SCADA systems and remote monitoring technologies
Knowledge of sensor networks and data collection systems
Familiarity with control systems and automation
Understanding of power electronics and electrical safety in mission-critical environments
Project Management
Project managers will find the A&D environment especially rewarding. The sheer scale of programmes like the Global Combat Air Programme or the Dreadnought-class submarines demands a high level of coordination, stakeholder management, and risk control—making them ideal proving grounds for experienced professionals looking to make a significant impact.
Energy project managers possess skills directly applicable to A&D programmes:
Experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects with strict regulatory oversight
Expertise in supply chain management with specialised components
Skills in risk assessment and mitigation
Knowledge of quality assurance protocols and compliance documentation
Experience with stakeholder management and communication
Safety Engineering
In the safety domain, Aerospace & Defence adheres to some of the most rigorous standards in any industry. From JSP430 and Def Stan 00-56 to methodologies like HAZID and HAZOP, the sector sets the bar high—ensuring that safety is baked into every stage of a system's lifecycle.
Safety professionals from renewable energy bring essential expertise:
Understanding of risk assessment methodologies for complex systems
Experience with regulatory compliance across multiple jurisdictions
Knowledge of failure mode and effects analysis
Expertise in developing safety protocols and emergency response procedures
Skills in investigating incidents and implementing preventative measures
Making a Successful Transition
For renewable energy professionals looking to move into A&D, consider these practical steps:
Research Security Clearance Requirements: Many A&D roles require security clearances. Understand these requirements early in your job search.
Highlight Transferable Skills: When updating your CV, emphasise experiences that demonstrate precision, quality control, and complex systems understanding.
Build Relevant Networks: Attend industry events that bridge energy and defence, such as conferences on energy security or sustainable aviation.
Seek Transitional Roles: Positions in energy efficiency for defence installations or sustainable aviation can serve as stepping stones.
Professional Development: Consider targeted training in A&D-specific standards, regulations, or technologies to bolster your credentials.
Real Industry Needs
The A&D sector is actively seeking professionals with experience in:
Systems engineering for complex integrated platforms
Supply chain optimisation and resilience
Additive manufacturing and advanced production techniques
Digital twin development and simulation
Autonomous systems and AI integration
Cybersecurity for critical infrastructure
Looking Ahead
As the aerospace and defence sector continues to evolve, it's increasingly valuing the cross-pollination of ideas from other technical fields. Energy professionals bring fresh perspectives on sustainability, efficiency, and innovative problem-solving – qualities that can drive the next generation of aerospace and defence technologies.
The transition from renewable energy to A&D isn't just a career move – it's an opportunity to apply your technical expertise to new challenges while contributing to both national security and environmental goals.
JAM Recruitment specialises in connecting skilled energy professionals with opportunities in the aerospace and defence sector. Contact us to discuss how your expertise could contribute to the future of national security and defence innovation.