Last updated: June 2026

Why European Aerospace Companies Need International Workers Now

Europe's aerospace sector faces a structural skills gap that expands every year. Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain report tens of thousands of unfilled vacancies across aircraft manufacturing, MRO, avionics, systems engineering, and satellite technology. An ageing workforce, record Airbus production backlogs, and rapid growth in defence and space programmes create demand that domestic labour markets cannot meet alone.

EU Helpers is a KRS-registered workforce platform based in Warsaw, Poland. We match qualified aerospace engineers, aircraft maintenance technicians, avionics specialists, and programme managers with verified European employers. We provide work permit document assistance, EASA credential support, employer matching, and arrival services for every candidate.

Employers and recruitment partners looking to source aerospace talent can register below. Job seekers can register to begin their work permit document process with a verified employer match.

Job seekers: Register free at EU Helpers

Employers: Register as an employer partner

Recruiters: Join the EU Helpers recruiter network

What EU Helpers Provides

Important: EU Helpers is not a visa authority. We assist with work permit applications and visa documents. Final permit and visa decisions are made by government authorities.

• Work permit document assistance — step-by-step guidance through every document required for your aerospace role application, from employment contracts to qualification certificates.
• Verified employer matching — real aerospace job openings at active hiring companies, checked for legitimacy and contract compliance before candidate introduction.
• Industry-specific guidance — EASA Part-66 licence validation support, Part-147 training organisation recognition, and credential evaluation for engineers relocating to Europe.
• Arrival support — housing guidance, bank account setup, and local onboarding orientation so engineers settle quickly from day one.
• Employer services — end-to-end talent sourcing, candidate screening, and document process management for European aerospace manufacturers, MRO facilities, and defence contractors.
• Recruiter partnership — placing aerospace candidates through the EU Helpers verified partner network across Germany, France, the Netherlands, Spain, and beyond.

Read what our clients say: EU Helpers client reviews

Aerospace Jobs & Roles We Recruit for Across Europe

1. Aircraft Ground Support & Ramp Operative

Ground support operatives provide aircraft handling, fuelling, towing, and pre-departure checks at airports, MRO facilities, and military airfields. Germany, France, Spain, and the Netherlands all show consistent demand for this entry-level role. No prior aerospace qualification is required — employers provide full on-site induction.

• Tow, marshal, and position aircraft on aprons, taxiways, and hangar floors using certified ground support vehicles.
• Carry out aircraft fuelling, de-icing, and pre-flight safety checks under the supervision of licensed maintenance engineers.
• Load, unload, and secure cargo and passenger baggage in accordance with weight-and-balance documentation.

Browse open ground support roles: EU Helpers Europe Jobs

2. Aircraft Maintenance Technician — EASA Part-66 B1/B2

Aircraft maintenance technicians hold an EASA Part-66 licence and perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on commercial, regional, and military aircraft. Germany and France are Europe's two largest MRO markets, with major facilities operated by Airbus, Lufthansa Technik, Air France Industries KLM E&M, and Safran. Category B1 covers airframe and mechanical systems; Category B2 covers avionics and electrical systems.

• Perform A, B, C, and D maintenance checks on aircraft systems, structures, and avionics to approved maintenance programme standards.
• Complete maintenance release documentation and work orders using computerised aircraft management (CAM) platforms.
• Identify and rectify airworthiness defects in compliance with EASA Part-145 procedures and manufacturer maintenance manuals.

Browse AMT roles: EU Helpers Europe Jobs

3. Avionics Engineer

Avionics engineers design, test, install, and maintain electronic systems aboard aircraft — navigation, communication, flight management, and autopilot. The Netherlands (NLR, Fokker/GKN, Airbus Defence), Germany (Diehl Aviation, Thales), and France (Safran Electronics, Thales Avionics) lead demand. A degree in avionics, electronics, or electrical engineering is required.

• Design and validate avionics system architectures to DO-178C and DO-254 standards for commercial and defence programmes.
• Integrate and test avionics hardware and software using ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, and AFDX data bus protocols.
• Prepare avionics certification evidence for submission to EASA or national civil aviation authorities.

Browse avionics roles: High-demand engineering jobs in Netherlands

4. Aerospace Manufacturing & Production Technician

Manufacturing technicians assemble, fabricate, and quality-inspect aircraft structures, engine components, and cabin interiors. Germany holds Europe's largest aerospace manufacturing base — Airbus Hamburg leads demand for composite technicians, precision machinists, and assembly operators. Experience in composite fabrication, CNC machining, or precision assembly is preferred.

• Fabricate and assemble airframe sections, wing panels, and engine nacelles using composite layup, riveting, and adhesive bonding.
• Operate CNC milling, drilling, and finishing machines to aerospace tolerance specifications of plus or minus 0.05mm.
• Complete first article inspection records and non-conformance reports under AS9100 quality management systems.

5. Aerospace Systems Engineer

Systems engineers define, integrate, and verify complex aerospace systems across design, development, testing, and in-service phases. Germany (Airbus, MTU, DLR), France (Airbus Toulouse, Thales, Dassault), and the Netherlands are the primary markets. A degree in aerospace, mechanical, or systems engineering plus 3+ years of experience is expected.

• Develop systems requirements, functional architectures, and interface control documents using model-based systems engineering tools such as CATIA and DOORS.
• Lead systems integration tests, flight test campaigns, and airworthiness demonstration activities.
• Coordinate across propulsion, avionics, structural, and software teams to resolve cross-discipline integration issues.

6. Aerospace Quality & Airworthiness Inspector

Quality and airworthiness inspectors audit manufacturing processes, maintenance records, and supplier deliveries against EASA, AS9100, and customer quality standards. This role exists in both MRO and manufacturing environments. Germany, France, and Spain all show strong demand for experienced inspectors.

• Conduct in-process and final inspections of structures, systems, and components using approved technical data, CMMs, and NDT methods.
• Audit supplier quality management systems to AS9100 Rev D and raise NCRs and Corrective Action Requests.
• Review and approve maintenance release documentation, Certificate of Conformity, and EASA Form 1 authorised release certificates.

7. MRO Shift Supervisor / Line Maintenance Team Leader

MRO shift supervisors manage teams of licensed engineers and technicians across line, hangar, and base maintenance operations. France (Air France Industries KLM E&M), Germany (Lufthansa Technik), and Spain (Iberia MRO) are Europe's leading MRO employers. A valid EASA Part-66 licence and at least 5 years of maintenance experience are required.

• Plan and allocate daily workload across maintenance teams, ensuring aircraft are released to service on schedule.
• Monitor technician compliance with EASA Part-145 procedures and company exposition requirements.
• Act as primary technical contact between maintenance teams, flight operations, and technical services.

8. Senior Aerospace Structural Engineer

Senior structural engineers lead stress analysis, fatigue assessment, and damage tolerance evaluation for aircraft primary and secondary structures. Airbus in Hamburg and Toulouse, GKN Aerospace, Dassault, and Leonardo all recruit experienced structural engineers internationally. A master's degree in aerospace or structural engineering plus 7+ years is typically required.

• Perform FEA and analytical stress calculations for airframe structures using ABAQUS, NASTRAN, or CATIA Structural tools.
• Develop and substantiate structural repair schemes and Structural Repair Manual entries.
• Interface with EASA Design Organisation Approval teams during aircraft certification programmes.

9. Aerospace Programme Director / VP Engineering

Programme directors and VP-level engineering leaders govern multi-hundred-million-euro aircraft development or MRO transformation programmes. Airbus, Safran, Leonardo, MTU Aero Engines, and Tier 1 suppliers in Germany, France, and Spain recruit at this level internationally. Candidates need 15+ years of aerospace engineering and programme management experience.

• Govern programme delivery, budget, schedule, and technical performance, reporting to Chief Engineering Officer or C-suite.
• Lead large, multi-site, multi-disciplinary engineering teams across design, certification, manufacturing, and in-service support.
• Manage customer relationships, regulatory authority interfaces, and board-level programme reviews.

Browse all open aerospace roles: EU Helpers Europe Jobs

What Sets Our Aerospace Candidates Apart

EU Helpers screens every aerospace candidate against the technical, regulatory, and professional standards that European aerospace employers demand. Our verification process covers qualifications, licence validity, tool proficiency, and employment history before any introduction.

Quality	What It Means in Practice
Industry-specific technical knowledge	Candidates understand EASA regulatory frameworks, aircraft system architectures, and aerospace quality management standards such as AS9100 — not just generic engineering experience.
Safety and compliance awareness	Candidates are familiar with EASA Part-145 MRO, Part-21 design organisation, and Part-147 training requirements, and can operate within these frameworks immediately.
Time management and reliability	Aircraft maintenance and production run on strict schedule-driven cycles. EU Helpers candidates have verified track records of on-time delivery in safety-critical environments.
Tools, systems & equipment skills	Candidates are screened for CATIA V5/V6, DOORS, NASTRAN, ABAQUS, SAP PM, and MRO management systems such as AMOS, TRAX, or CAMP.
Cross-cultural and team coordination	EU Helpers candidates have worked in international, multilingual engineering teams and integrate quickly into European aerospace programme structures.

Ready to hire? Register as an employer partner

Our Aerospace Recruitment Process in Europe

EU Helpers follows a structured five-step process for every aerospace mandate. Each step has a named owner so employers always know what happens next.

Step	What Happens	Who Leads It
1. Define requirements	Employer sets role title, required licences (EASA Part-66 category, clearance level), site location, contract type, and salary band.	Employer + EU Helpers account manager
2. Candidate shortlist	EU Helpers sources from our global aerospace talent pool, verifies licences and credentials, and delivers a shortlist within 5–7 working days.	EU Helpers recruitment team
3. Assessment	Shortlisted candidates complete technical interviews, engineering assessments, and EASA licence or degree verification. Security screening initiated where required.	Employer + EU Helpers
4. Work permit documents	EU Helpers prepares the full work permit document package. The employer submits the permit application to the relevant national immigration authority.	EU Helpers (documents) + Employer (submission)
5. Onboarding & retention	EU Helpers provides pre-arrival briefing, housing guidance, and 90-day check-ins. Employer is supported with HR onboarding documentation.	EU Helpers support team

All EU Helpers aerospace mandates comply with EASA regulatory requirements, European labour law, and the EU Helpers Code of Ethical Recruitment. Employers receive a full compliance checklist before any candidate is placed.

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Aerospace Salaries in Europe

Aerospace salaries vary by country, role type, licence category, and sector. Always compare net take-home pay — gross salaries in France are subject to employee social contributions of 22–25%, which significantly reduces monthly income. Germany and the Netherlands offer stronger net pay relative to gross. All tables below show gross monthly figures as a consistent benchmark.

Central Europe — Germany

Germany is Europe's largest aerospace employer by headcount. Airbus Hamburg, MTU Aero Engines Munich, Diehl Aviation, and Liebherr Aerospace drive persistent demand for maintenance, manufacturing, and engineering talent across Hamburg, Munich, Bremen, and Stuttgart.

Role	Gross Monthly Salary (EUR)
Aircraft Ground Support Operative	EUR 2,200 – 2,800
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Part-66 B1/B2)	EUR 3,500 – 4,800
Avionics Engineer	EUR 4,200 – 5,800
Aerospace Systems Engineer	EUR 4,800 – 6,800
Senior Structural / Programme Engineer	EUR 6,500 – 9,500

Western Europe — France

France is home to Airbus headquarters in Toulouse and hosts Safran, Thales, Dassault Aviation, ArianeGroup, and Air France Industries KLM E&M. Toulouse, Paris-Orly, Bordeaux, and Nantes are the primary hiring cities. France offers 35-hour standard working weeks and comprehensive employee benefits.

Role	Gross Monthly Salary (EUR)
Aircraft Ground Support Operative	EUR 2,000 – 2,600
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Part-66 B1/B2)	EUR 3,000 – 4,200
Avionics Engineer	EUR 3,800 – 5,500
Aerospace Systems Engineer	EUR 4,400 – 6,200
Senior Structural / Programme Engineer	EUR 5,800 – 9,000

Western Europe — Netherlands

The Netherlands hosts Airbus Defence and Space, GKN Aerospace (formerly Fokker), NLR (Netherlands Aerospace Centre), and ESTEC (ESA's largest facility) in Noordwijk. Amsterdam and Eindhoven are active aerospace hiring hubs for specialist and systems-level roles.

Role	Gross Monthly Salary (EUR)
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Part-66 B1/B2)	EUR 3,600 – 5,000
Avionics / Systems Engineer	EUR 4,500 – 6,200
Aerospace Quality Inspector	EUR 3,400 – 4,800
Senior Aerospace Engineer	EUR 6,000 – 8,500

Southern Europe — Spain

Spain's aerospace sector is led by Airbus Spain in Getafe and Puerto Real, Indra Sistemas, Iberia MRO, and a strong Tier 2 manufacturing cluster. Spain is a major MRO destination and actively recruits aircraft maintenance technicians and production workers.

Role	Gross Monthly Salary (EUR)
Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Part-66 B1/B2)	EUR 2,700 – 3,800
MRO Production Technician	EUR 2,300 – 3,200
Quality & Airworthiness Inspector	EUR 2,900 – 4,000
Aerospace Systems Engineer	EUR 3,600 – 5,200

Four-Country Comparison: Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain

Feature	Germany	France	Netherlands	Spain
Typical engineer pay (gross/month)	EUR 3,500–6,800	EUR 3,000–6,200	EUR 3,400–6,200	EUR 2,700–5,200
Work permit processing	8–16 weeks (Auslaenderbehoerde)	8–14 weeks (OFII/prefecture)	4–8 weeks (IND)	8–16 weeks (Extranjeria)
Key qualification required	EASA Part-66 for AMT; degree for engineers	EASA Part-66 for AMT; degree for engineers	EASA Part-66 for AMT; EU Blue Card path	EASA Part-66 for AMT; degree for engineers
Cost of living	High Munich/Hamburg; moderate Bremen	High Paris; moderate Toulouse	Very high Amsterdam; moderate Eindhoven	Low to moderate; Madrid/Barcelona higher
Language requirement	English at Airbus/MTU; German B1 helpful	English at Airbus/Safran HQ; French B1 useful	English widely used; Dutch not required	Spanish B1 required outside Airbus sites

What You Need to Work Legally in European Aerospace

Three requirements apply to almost every aerospace professional seeking legal employment in Europe. Two are role-specific. One applies to everyone regardless of specialisation.

1. EASA Part-66 Licence (for Maintenance Roles)

The EASA Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence is mandatory for any engineer or technician who certifies maintenance work on European-registered aircraft. Category B1 covers mechanical and structural systems; B2 covers avionics; Category C covers base maintenance certifying staff. You must hold a valid licence in the relevant category before any European MRO employer can legally authorise you as certifying staff.

Applicants holding equivalent national licences — CAAC (China), DGCA (India), CAA — can apply for EASA Part-66 conversion by passing EASA module exams at a Part-147 approved training organisation and demonstrating practical experience. EU Helpers connects candidates with employers and Part-147 organisations that support the conversion pathway.

Design, systems, and programme management roles do not require a Part-66 licence but may require EASA Design Organisation Approval (DOA) familiarity or security clearance depending on the programme.

2. Language Requirements

Entry-level ground support and production roles require basic English for safety briefings. Aircraft maintenance technicians must read maintenance manuals published in English — this is the mandatory language of European maintenance documentation under EASA standards.

Germany and the Netherlands are the most accessible markets for English-speaking engineers: Airbus Hamburg, MTU, Diehl, GKN Aerospace, and NLR operate in English at engineering level. French B1 is useful for Airbus Toulouse and Safran in France; Spanish B1 is required for most non-Airbus roles in Spain.

3. A Signed Job Offer From a Verified Employer

Work permit applications cannot begin without a signed employment contract from a verified European aerospace employer. The contract must confirm role title, salary, working hours, site location, and start date. EU Helpers only introduces candidates to employers with active and legitimate hiring mandates.

Register now to be matched with a verified employer and begin your work permit document process.

Register as a job seeker: euhelpers.com/jobseeker

Where We Process Aerospace Applications From

EU Helpers recruits aerospace candidates from all major source regions with confirmed employer relationships and document processing experience.

• Asia: India, China, South Korea, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia
• Africa: Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Ethiopia, Algeria, Tunisia
• Eastern Europe & Americas: Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, Moldova, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Canada