Defence Recruitment

With more than 4 decades as a leading defence recruitment agency across a wide range of aerospace, land, airborne technologies and marine systems in the UK and internationally, and as a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant with Silver award, Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) status, Jonathan Lee is the right partner for your defence vacancies.

Defence recruitment experts

Jonathan Lee Recruitment provides industry-leading expertise in contract, interim, and permanent recruitment across all aspects of defence and aerospace engineering, operations, technical, supply chain, and commercial disciplines. We support aerospace, land, and sea defence manufacturing and systems technology, working with clients of all sizes, from global industry leaders to SMEs.

Our extensive talent network includes highly skilled professionals across defence, aerospace, and security engineering, as well as ex-military specialists from the Army, Air Force, and Navy. Many of our consultants have direct sector experience, including backgrounds in defence and aerospace manufacturing, engineering, and maintenance, giving us a deep understanding of the industry’s unique hiring challenges.

With the UK government’s commitment to increasing defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, the sector is set for significant growth—particularly for SMEs. A new government-backed support hub and SME spending targets will improve access to the defence supply chain, creating opportunities for expansion, innovation, and job creation. However, as businesses prepare to scale, securing specialist talent will be critical to success.

At Jonathan Lee Recruitment, we are uniquely positioned to help organisations navigate this evolving landscape. Whether you’re a large defence contractor or an SME looking to capitalise on new opportunities, our expertise ensures you have access to the best talent to drive growth and innovation. With a proven track record of securing appointments across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East, we are a leading recruitment partner in the defence and aerospace sector.

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Our work with the Armed Forces

At Jonathan Lee Recruitment we are committed to supporting the armed forces community, we are proud that we not only employ ex-service personnel across our business, but also help servicemen and women leaving the forces to find employment and make a smooth transition into civilian life.

We are a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant and have a Silver Award from the Armed Forces Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS), run by the Ministry of Defence, was established to encourage employers to develop and maintain an armed forces-friendly environment. This silver-level certification recognises our ongoing commitment to defence staff, their families and the armed forces community.

Whether you are looking for an aerospace or defence job or need help filling an aerospace or defence vacancy, our team can help. We have a proven track record for recruiting for roles including: Manufacturing Engineers, Design Engineering, Engineers, Quality Inspectors, Specialist Engineers, Aircraft Technicians, Avionic Technicians, Electrical Technicians, UAV Technicians, Supply Chain Managers, Buyers, Stores Managers, Sales Managers, Business Development, Marketing Officers, HR Offices, Finance, MRO Technicians, Groundcrew Specialists, Project Engineers, Warehouse and Logistics personnel.

Defence jobs

What do our Defence candidates and clients think about us?

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Our work with the defence sector

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NP Aerospace

Discover how Jonathan Lee Recruitment teamed up with NP Aerospace to help recruit and build large operational teams at speed.

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CES Advanced Armour

As CES Advanced Armour expanded, they required a strategic hiring partner to help them source and recruit - they chose Jonathan Lee.

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Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land

Discover how Jonathan Lee Recruitment teamed up with Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) to help recruit top-tier talent for their evolving business needs.

Work with Jonathan Lee Recruitment

Contact us today to discover how we can help with your recruitment needs

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The Defence and Aerospace recruitment team

When you partner with Jonathan Lee Recruitment, finding the perfect candidate for your defence job openings becomes a hassle-free process. Our dedicated team of recruitment professionals is committed to delivering the very best service, saving you time and resources while ensuring you make the best hiring decisions.

Download Defence recruitment brochure

To discover even more about our defence recruitment services download our brochure using the button below or to find out more about our aerospace recruitment services click here

Download Aerospace & Defence Talent Insights Report

Stay competitive and informed, download the Aerospace & Defence Talent Insights Report for up-to-date salary trends and industry insights.

Stay competitive and informed, download the Aerospace & Defence Talent Insights Report for up-to-date salary trends and industry insights.

By downloading this report, you will learn:
  • Current salary benchmarks across various roles
  • Skills in demand
  • Career advancement opportunities within the sector
  • Comprehensive industry analysis to help you stay competitive

NP Aerospace Case Study

When NP Aerospace needed to rapidly scale their workforce to meet urgent defence contract demands, they turned to Jonathan Lee Recruitment.

Our specialist defence recruitment expertise enabled them to secure hundreds of highly skilled professionals -ensuring mission-critical projects, including those supporting Ukraine, were delivered on time.

Defence News & Insights

Contact the Defence and Aerospace recruitment team

Contact us today to discover how we can help with your defence or aerospace recruitment needs.

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