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.


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.
What do our Defence candidates and clients think about us?

Our work with the defence sector

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

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

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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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.
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Contact the Defence and Aerospace recruitment team
Contact us today to discover how we can help with your defence or aerospace recruitment needs.