Why systems engineers are critical to modern defence and space programmes
Few disciplines have become more important to modern defence and space programmes than systems engineering. As technologies
sector specific recruitment
Defence and space recruitment specialists
Connecting defence and space organisations with the engineers, technical specialists and leadership talent needed to deliver mission-critical programmes, national security projects and next-generation innovation.
From defence systems and secure communications to satellite technology, space infrastructure and advanced engineering, Octagon Group supports defence and space organisations across the UK, Europe and the US with specialist recruitment solutions built around technical expertise, security requirements and long-term partnership.
Whether you’re scaling a programme, supporting classified projects, replacing critical talent or searching for your next opportunity, our team understands the challenges unique to the defence and space sectors.
Defence and space sector hiring challenges in 2026
The defence and space industries continue to evolve rapidly, but hiring specialist talent remains one of the sector’s biggest barriers to growth and delivery.
Many organisations are facing:
Shortages of security-cleared engineering professionals
Growing demand for systems, software and electronics engineers
Competition for satellite and communications talent
Pressure to deliver programmes within strict timescales
Increasing demand for cyber, autonomy and AI expertise
Skills gaps created by an ageing specialist workforce
At Octagon Group, we understand that hiring in the defence and space sectors is not simply about filling vacancies. It is about finding engineers and technical specialists capable of operating within highly regulated, safety-critical and technically complex environments.
Trusted by the leaders in the sector
Defence & space roles we recruit for
Systems engineering & software
- Systems Engineer
- Senior Systems Engineer
- Embedded Software Engineer
- Software Architect
- Verification Engineer
Electronics, RF & communications
- Electronics Engineer
- RF Engineer
- Microwave Engineer
- Antenna Engineer
- Communications Systems Engineer
Space systems & satellite technology
- Satellite Systems Engineer
- Payload Engineer
- Ground Segment Engineer
- Spacecraft Integration Engineer
- Mission Operations Engineer
Programme leadership & technical management
- Engineering Manager
- Programme Manager
- Technical Director
- Head of Engineering
- CTO
Meet your defence and space recruitment team
Talent Partner
Adam Barnett
Specialism
Power Electronics
Fun Fact
I’ve recently taken up golf again after many years and I am consistently getting worse.
Talent Director / Co-Founder
Steve Bernat
Specialism
Contract Engineering
Fun Fact
I’m a qualified ski instructor and the best skier in the office (debatable)
Talent Director / Co-Founder
Bhav Patel
Specialism
RF, Power and Semiconductor Tech
Fun Fact
Fitness & endurance enthusiast (marathon, triathlon, cross-fit). LFC obsessed. Loves Santa Monica.
Why defence & space clients love working with us
Specialist defence & space networks
We proactively engage engineers and technical professionals across defence, space, secure communications and advanced engineering markets, providing access to highly specialised talent pools.
Reduced long-term hiring risk
Technical understanding and detailed qualification processes help ensure stronger alignment between candidate capability, project requirements and company culture.
Scalable hiring support solutions
We support businesses hiring for individual specialist positions, full project teams and long-term growth plans across permanent and contract recruitment.
Recruitment built around partnership
We work as an extension of your team, providing transparent communication, market insight and recruitment strategies tailored to your business goals.
Why defence & space candidates love working with us
Access to specialist defence & space opportunities
We work with organisations across defence, satellite technology, communications, advanced manufacturing and emerging space programmes.
We understand your background
Our team understands highly technical engineering skillsets, helping us connect candidates with opportunities genuinely aligned to their experience and career goals.
Building long-term career partnerships
Whether you are looking for your next permanent role, contract opportunity or leadership move, we focus on building long-term relationships rather than one-off placements.
Support throughout the process
From CV guidance and interview preparation to salary benchmarking and market insight, we support candidates throughout the recruitment journey.
Space and defence hiring insights
Better hiring decisions start with a better understanding.
Our insights are shaped by real hiring challenges we see every day, including guidance on how to hire embedded engineers, market demand for specialist skills, and salary and availability trends across technology and engineering roles.
Why defence businesses are struggling to secure security-cleared engineers
For many defence organisations, the biggest recruitment challenge is no longer finding engineers. It’s finding engineers who
Defence & space recruitment trends shaping 2026
The defence and space sectors are entering one of the most significant periods of growth and transformation
Looking to hire defence & space talent?
Whether you need specialist engineering expertise, leadership talent or scalable recruitment support for complex programmes, Octagon Group can help.
Fill the form below, or simply contact Matt at mboland@octagongroup.co.uk or 07441340928.
