How to Find a Mechanical Engineering Job with Visa Sponsorship in the UK in 2025

Mechanical engineering is a foundational pillar of the UK’s industrial and technological development. From aerospace and automotive to energy and manufacturing, mechanical engineers are essential to innovation and infrastructure. For international professionals, the UK offers strong career prospects in 2025, particularly with the continued demand for skilled engineers. With the right qualifications, approach, and persistence, securing a visa-sponsored mechanical engineering job is within reach.

This guide will walk you through the UK job market for engineers, essential skills and qualifications, visa pathways, top employers offering sponsorship, and tips for job applications.

The UK Job Market for Mechanical Engineers in 2025

Mechanical engineers are in high demand across multiple sectors due to infrastructure upgrades, green energy initiatives, and continued investment in advanced manufacturing.

Key Industry Trends:

Sustainable Engineering: Green technologies, renewable energy, and eco-friendly manufacturing are key focus areas.
Digitalisation & Automation: Strong demand for engineers with knowledge of CAD, robotics, and smart manufacturing systems.
Infrastructure Projects: Government-backed transportation and construction projects are increasing the need for skilled engineers.
Engineering on the Shortage List: Mechanical engineers remain on the UK’s Shortage Occupation List, easing visa eligibility.

Salary Range:

Entry-level mechanical engineers typically earn £28,000–£35,000.
Mid-career professionals can expect £40,000–£55,000, with senior engineers earning up to £70,000+.

Popular Career Paths in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers can choose from a variety of industries and roles based on their technical interests:

Design Engineer: Develops blueprints and product designs using CAD tools.
Project Engineer: Oversees engineering projects from concept to completion, ensuring timelines and quality standards.
Manufacturing Engineer: Improves manufacturing processes and quality control systems in industrial settings.
Maintenance Engineer: Manages the upkeep of machinery and equipment to ensure operational efficiency.
Aerospace Engineer: Designs and maintains aircraft and aerospace systems.
Energy Engineer: Works on renewable and non-renewable energy projects, including wind, solar, and nuclear.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities by Role

Design Engineer:

Creating 2D/3D product designs using CAD.
Collaborating with R&D and production teams.
Conducting stress analysis and material selection.

Project Engineer:

Managing project schedules, budgets, and team tasks.
Liaising with clients and stakeholders.
Coordinating design, manufacturing, and testing.

Manufacturing Engineer:

Optimising production workflows.
Conducting root cause analysis and implementing solutions.
Ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Maintenance Engineer:

Inspecting and repairing mechanical systems.
Scheduling preventive maintenance.
Working closely with technicians and suppliers.

Aerospace & Energy Engineers:

Designing efficient propulsion or energy systems.
Testing components and managing compliance with regulations.
Leading innovation for performance and sustainability.

Skills and Qualifications Required

To work as a mechanical engineer in the UK, international candidates must showcase a combination of technical knowledge and practical experience.

Technical Skills:

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software (AutoCAD, SolidWorks, CATIA)
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and simulation tools
Project management (MS Project, Agile)
Programming basics (Python, MATLAB)
Knowledge of UK building codes and safety standards

Qualifications:

Degree: A bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering or a closely related field.
Chartership: Gaining Chartered Engineer (CEng) status via the Engineering Council or IMechE can boost employability.
Experience: Internships, apprenticeships, or hands-on projects are essential.

Soft Skills:

Problem-solving and critical thinking
Communication and teamwork
Attention to detail
Adaptability and time management

Top Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship

Several large firms and engineering consultancies in the UK hire international engineers and offer visa sponsorship:

1. Rolls-Royce

Rolls-Royce is a British multinational aerospace and defence company headquartered in London, England. It is a leader in the design, engineering, manufacture, and operation of commercial jet engines and propulsion systems for military and civil aircraft, business jets, helicopters, and ships. Rolls-Royce employs over 50,000 people in over 50 countries.

Apply for visa-sponsored mechanical engineering jobs at Rolls-Royce here.

2. BAE Systems

BAE Systems plc is a British multinational defence, aerospace, and security company headquartered in London, England. It is the largest aerospace and defence company in Europe and one of the world's largest military contractors. The company has operations in over 40 countries and employs over 88,000 people. BAE Systems develops and manufactures military aircraft, ships, submarines, missiles, and electronic systems. The company also provides services such as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) and training.

Apply for visa-sponsored mechanical engineering jobs at BAE Systems here.

3. Siemens UK

Siemens UK is a subsidiary of Siemens AG, a global technology company headquartered in Munich, Germany. Siemens UK focuses on electrification, automation, and digitalisation across a variety of industries. It operates in sectors such as energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and mobility. The company employs over 15,000 people in the UK and is a strong advocate for engineering innovation and digital transformation.

Apply for visa-sponsored mechanical engineering jobs at Siemens here.

Use job boards like UK Visa Jobs and Workbeyond to find listings filtered for visa-sponsored roles in mechanical engineering.

Visa Options for Mechanical Engineers

1. Skilled Worker Visa

The Skilled Worker visa is the primary immigration route for international professionals coming to work in the UK.

As of 2025, the general salary threshold for most roles under the Skilled Worker visa is £38,700 per year or £30,900 if you meet the new entrant criteria.
Mechanical engineers must meet this salary requirement unless exemptions apply (such as new entrants or certain academic roles).
You must have a confirmed job offer from a UK employer that holds a sponsor licence.
Proficiency in English and relevant qualifications must be demonstrated.

You can learn more about the Skilled Worker visa here.

2. Graduate Visa

Available to international students who have completed a degree in the UK.
Allows you to work in the UK for 2 years (3 years for PhD holders) without needing a job offer or sponsorship.
Offers a valuable opportunity to gain UK work experience before transitioning to a Skilled Worker visa.

You can learn more about the Graduate (also known as PSW) visa here.

3. Global Talent Visa (for top-tier professionals)

For engineers with exceptional talent or promise in research, innovation, or academia.
Requires endorsement from an approved UK body.
Less common in mechanical engineering, but applicable to those in advanced R&D or academic positions.

You can learn more about the Global Talent visa here.

Job Application Strategy for Mechanical Engineers

For Students or Recent Graduates:

Whether you are currently based in the UK or not, apply for internships or placement programs with large engineering firms.
If you are in the UK, some internships and placements may lead to full-time visa-sponsored roles.
Participate in graduate schemes that offer structured training and possible sponsorship.
Many mechanical engineering graduate programmes offer visa sponsorship. You can find such jobs on ukvisajobs.com.

For Experienced Engineers:

Apply directly for mid-level or senior roles with firms that regularly sponsor.
Tailor your CV to highlight international project experience and certifications.

Steps to Secure a Visa-Sponsored Mechanical Engineering Role

Target the Right Employers: Focus on multinational companies with a sponsorship record.
Use Engineering Job Boards: Explore UK Visa Jobs, LinkedIn, and target niche engineering platforms.
Optimise Your CV and Cover Letter: Follow UK standards, highlight quantifiable achievements, and include tools/software you’re proficient in.
Network Actively: Attend industry events like Advanced Engineering UK and engage in forums.
Prepare for Interviews: Brush up on technical and behavioural questions, with real-life examples.

Preparing for Interviews

Technical Tests: CAD simulations, mechanical analysis, or design briefs.
Competency Questions: Problem-solving, team collaboration, and time management.
Scenario-Based: Dealing with engineering failures or project delays.

You can find a handful of resources on our resources page to help you prepare for interviews. You can also join our live webinars on interview preparations, where we guide you on how to prepare for UK interviews effectively.

Additional Tips for Success

Stay up-to-date with UK industry trends and sustainability standards.
Consider CPD courses relevant to your target sector.
Get familiar with UK Health & Safety Executive (HSE) standards.
Join engineering bodies like the IMechE or the Engineering Council.

Resources at UK Visa Jobs

UK Visa Jobs is dedicated to helping international mechanical engineers:

Access Sponsored Jobs: Filter listings by visa sponsorship.
Join Webinars: Learn about UK CV formatting, interview strategies, and employer expectations.
Receive Career Support: Get tailored guidance to strengthen your application.

Conclusion

In 2025, the UK mechanical engineering sector offers strong job prospects for skilled international professionals. With targeted preparation, the right qualifications, and the support of platforms like UK Visa Jobs, your engineering career in the UK can begin on solid ground.

Start exploring today and build your future in one of the world’s most dynamic engineering environments.