Air/Aerospace
Focusing on the below fields within Aerospace Defence.
- Fast Jets
- Rotary Wing Aircraft
- Drones, UAS and RPAS
- Counter UAS
- Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul
Aerospace Defence Recruitment
We don't just know the space, we operate inside of it.
At the cutting edge of Defence & Security, life’s never simple. Navigating the vast terrain of Land, Air, Sea, Cyber, and Intelligence is our speciality.
Land
In the Land Defence recruitment field, we're your strategic partners. Whether it’s military vehicles, sophisticated artillery systems, logistics, command & control, or soldier systems, we’ve got our fingers on the pulse. Our roles span across engineering, R&D, operations, and cutting-edge technologies - AI, autonomy, and digital warfare.
C4I/Communications
In the Defence & Security sector, communications are the backbone of every successful mission.
Whether it's military-grade networking or tactical comms, the roles we fill ensure secure operations and perfect situational awareness.
We're here to connect you to the best minds in software integration, RF systems, and Cyber resilience.
National Security
National Security recruitment is our forte, finding those who navigate intelligence, Cyber Security, and counter-terrorism like pros. We connect talent ready to guard sovereignty, critical infrastructure, and information systems against threats both internal and external.
Public Sector
We're at the forefront of policy shaping, procurement operations, and strategic logistics.
Here, it's all about systems acquisition and pioneering technology development. These Public Sector Defence jobs are crucial for steering and strengthening our National Defence prowess through expert oversight, dynamic management, and groundbreaking innovation.
Whether you're filling these essential roles or stepping into them, we know where you need to be.
Your skills. Our Connections.
Got what it takes? Dive into our Aerospace Defence Jobs and be at the centre of innovation and safety.
Driven by insight, shaped by experience.
What candidates say about us.
On the radar of top Defence & Security employers
One hire. Full unit. Whole operation. We build defence teams that don’t just show up — they solve. Explore what we do below.
Services. Sectors. Skills. Find your match.
One hire, a whole team, or a full-scale talent strategy, we work with you, not just for you, to deliver the people who’ll power your growth.
Pick your Service, Sector and Skill below to find your problem solver.
Select a Service, Sector and Skill.
Not sure what to pick? Find out more or get in touch below and we can help you make that choice.
I have greatly appreciated your speed and diligence in handing candidates in process. I recognise that significant effort goes into pre-warming, pre-closing and convincing candidates to go with us over other companies. We’ve also seen the quality of the CVs improve over time as well as the number of CVs turning up starting to increase again. I also appreciate you understand our restrictions and don’t push us too hard once we’ve made a decision. Other recruiters have been overly bullish to the point that they aren’t listening to us as clients and more self-interested.
I have had the pleasure in working with Matchtech for over 3 years. Their approach is unique in that they work with organisations to build effective resourcing strategies. From a HR perspective they give market insight so that we are able to make interventions and they support the organisation at both a strategic and service delivery level. They have become an invaluable partner to Ultra.
From the very start of the process, Matchtech have been incredible. They were helpful with the initial interview and so reassuring when there was a long delay with my security clearance, they put my mind at rest many times during the lengthy procedure. They respond to my queries efficiently and responsively. Matchtech's self billing and timesheet system is straightforward, payment is made promptly after submission of the hours worked. I cannot fault their professionalism, a truly impressive agency.
I have found your proactive, positive approach and speed of response hugely beneficial. In what is obviously an extremely challenging market we have seen a steady flow of candidates that meet our needs and am in no doubt we would be in a much more difficult position if not for your efforts. Always prompting for feedback on our requirements to then refine searches further is also providing some further successes. On a personal note I have always appreciated your challenge around some of the CVs reviewed as to suitability if not always sure where a candidate could be placed. It helps me sometimes think differently and consider different options.
As far as feedback goes: Overall, the service we have had from you has been brilliant, and we have made far more progress than I expected we would by this stage and that has been down to the hard work that you and the wider team of consultants has put in. I feel that the direct contact between you and Steve has led to a number of very positive outcomes and has helped to make the process run as smoothly as possible. With regards to the additional support around statistics and market intelligence, there has been some good input from yourself around salary trends and this has helped us to tweak our approach and has improved our success rate massively – for which we’re very grateful. I feel that there has been an open and honest dialogue between Leonardo and Matchtech which has helped us to be pragmatic and definitive in our decision making.
With over 30 years as a key partner to BAE Systems, we facilitate 500+ placements annually across a myriad of programmes. Our unmatched expertise fuels the UK’s naval projects, ensuring competent ship design and integration across vital naval programmes, from Type 26 to Dreadnought.
We supported Leonardo Cyber with 10 critical hires for their growing Cyber team. Battling the skills shortage, and after 12 months with limited success, we deployed a small team of experts who delivered the required 10 hires in just 6 months. From Cybersecurity specialists to Devops and Solution Architects, our team took accountability, delivered and received excellent feedback from all stakeholders.
Matchtech have played a key role delivering talent to some of the most high profile Land Systems programmes in recent years. As a partner to General Dynamics Land Systems, Matchtech delivered critical hires for the Scout Vehicle (SV) programme from first contract award through to present across the design teams, safety engineering, systems integration and production.
We supported DE&S with 2,000 hires per year with a 99.7% fulfilment rate, a reduction in time-to-hire by one month and increases of over 30% candidate retention. Additionally, we have helped DE&S increase ethnic minority applications by 7.3%, female applications by 8% and LGBTQ+ applications by 2%.
Leonardo have worked in strategic partnership with Matchtech for over 2 decades. We step up whenever and wherever they need us to complement their TA capability. Our work has delivered over 1000 hires for them and we’re now even helping them build Systems Engineering capability with our LEAP Programme.
Matchtech have supported most of the UK Defence Aerospace programmes over the last 30 years. From Typhoon to Tempest, design to maintenance our networks are full to the brim with great talent, referenced and ready!
Matchtech have been a key recruitment partner to Roke Manor for over a decade. Their growth in the National Security sector has been huge and our team have played a key part delivering critical talent for their teams with varying levels of security clearance including very challenging EDV hires.
FAQ
We know finding a new job or hiring can feel complex. That’s why we keep things clear, quick, and human. Our FAQs cut through the noise, no jargon, no fluff. Just straight-talking support from people who get it. And if you don’t see what you need? We’re already on it.
Do I need security clearance to work in Defence & Security?
Yes, most roles in Defence & Security require some level of security clearance. The specific level depends on the nature of the job and the sensitivity of the information you'll access. At a minimum, you’ll usually need to pass the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), and more sensitive roles may require Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) clearance. We can let you know the exact requirements for each role.
How do I get security clearance?
To get security clearance in the UK, you must be sponsored by an employer - you can’t apply on your own. We will help you with this process in line with the client’s security process. You’ll first undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) checks, followed by more detailed vetting depending on the level of clearance needed - such as Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV).
The process includes background checks, a security questionnaire, and sometimes interviews. The UK Security Vetting (UKSV) service manages this process.
What makes Defence & Security a great industry to work in?
Defence is a dynamic and rewarding sector offering cutting-edge innovation, strong job security, and the chance to make a real-world impact. It supports over 80,000 UK jobs and is growing rapidly, with major investment in technology, research, and exports . Speak to one of our team to hear more about this!
Which companies can Matchtech Defence & Security help me find a new job at?
Matchtech have a 40 year heritage supporting organisations with their recruitment. While there isn’t enough space to list all the companies we support, we work with great organisations across the sector from the biggest Defence company in the UK, BAE Systems, other Defence primes such as Leonardo, OEM’s including Ultra and L3Harris, leading consultancies BMT and start-ups that you won’t even have heard of yet.
In the Security world, we supply into central government departments like the Home Office, leading players such as Roke Manor and lots of boutique specialist companies who are naturally very secretive about what they do!
Importantly, we have opportunities across the UK and can present lots of opportunities for your next career move or contract position.
How do you find candidates?
We’re wired into the Aerospace Defence scene, using networks, rigorous searches, and insider tips to find top talent.
What is your recruitment process?
It’s all about understanding your needs first, spotlighting roles, vetting candidates, and supplying you with the experts you require.
How do you vet candidates?
Through CV deep-dives, meticulous background probing, and skill evaluation. We leave no stone unturned.
What is your guarantee policy?
We stand by our selections; if a placement isn’t a fit, we have safeguards to make it right within a set timeframe.
Can you provide temporary or permanent staff?
We're versatile. Whether you need a quick fill or long-term addition, we’ve got both bases covered.
Do you understand our industry and company culture?
With a laser focus on Aerospace Defence, we live and breathe your world - making us adept at matching candidates to your culture and needs.
How long does it take to get candidates security cleared?
It depends on the level of clearance. Baseline checks can take weeks; SC or DV clearances can take months. We’ll advise you upfront if the clearance will impact timescales, and we can help manage expectations on both sides.
Can you help us with security-cleared candidates?
Yes. Many of the people we work with already hold active clearances. Others are clearance-ready, with previous checks that can be reactivated. If you need people who can hit the ground running on secure projects - we’ve got them.