Career Advice

How to Land Visa-Sponsored Mechanical Engineering Job in the UK

The UK is a global leader in engineering innovation, offering exciting opportunities for mechanical engineers. However, for foreign engineers, navigating the visa sponsorship process can be challenging. This guide will demystify the visa landscape and provide actionable steps to help you find your dream mechanical engineering job in the UK.

Understanding Mechanical Engineering Roles

Mechanical engineering encompasses a diverse range of specialisations, each with its unique challenges and rewards. From designing and developing cutting-edge machinery to optimising industrial processes, mechanical engineers are the driving force behind innovation and progress. Here's a glimpse into the diverse roles you might encounter in the UK mechanical engineering industry:

Design Engineers: These creative minds conceptualise and develop new mechanical systems, ensuring they meet performance, safety, and cost requirements.
Manufacturing Engineers: They oversee the production process, optimising efficiency and ensuring the highest quality standards.
Maintenance Engineers: These specialists maintain and troubleshoot mechanical equipment, ensuring the smooth operation of industrial machinery.
Research and Development Engineers: They push the boundaries of innovation, developing cutting-edge technologies that shape the future of mechanical engineering.

Skills Required for Mechanical Engineers

To excel in the UK mechanical engineering industry, you'll need a combination of technical skills, soft skills, and an understanding of the local tech landscape. Here are some essential skills to focus on:

Technical Skills:

Strong understanding of mechanical principles and concepts
Proficient in relevant engineering software (e.g., CAD, CAE, CFD)
Experience in designing, testing, and evaluating mechanical systems
Knowledge of manufacturing processes and materials

Soft Skills:

Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication to collaborate with clients, designers, and other engineers
Problem-solving: Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to identify and solve engineering challenges
Teamwork: Collaboration and adaptability to work with diverse teams in project-based environments
Time management: Ability to prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
Learning agility: Constant learning and updating of skills to stay relevant in the ever-evolving engineering field.

Visa Options for Mechanical Engineers

There are several visa options available for mechanical engineers seeking work in the UK. The most common options include:

Skilled Worker Visa: A general visa for skilled workers in eligible occupations, including mechanical engineers.
Global Talent Visa: A visa for exceptional talent in certain fields, including engineering.

Finding Visa-Sponsoring Employers

A key step in landing a mechanical engineering job in the UK is to identify employers that sponsor visas. Here are some resources to help you find visa-sponsoring employers:

UKVisaJobs.com: This dedicated platform lists visa-sponsored job openings in various sectors, including mechanical engineering.
Company Websites: Directly check the websites of companies you're interested in working for to see if they offer visa sponsorship.
Professional networks: Join professional networks like Engineers UK to connect with visa-sponsoring employers and fellow engineers.

Top Visa Sponsoring Employers in the UK

Working for a mechanical engineering company can be a highly rewarding career. Once you have achieved a degree in the field, it's possible to work in automotive companies, aerospace firms or in the construction industry. Below are some of the UK’s top firms that hire mechanical engineers.

1. BAE System

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 System here.

2. 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.

3. Atkins

Atkins is a British multinational design, engineering, and project management consultancy firm headquartered in London, England. It is the third-largest professional services firm in the world focused on infrastructure development. The company has over 19,000 employees and operates in over 70 countries. Atkins provides a wide range of services, including planning, design, engineering, and management for infrastructure projects. The company is particularly well-known for its work on major infrastructure projects such as the London Olympics and the High Speed 2 rail project.

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

4. GE Power:

GE Power is the energy division of General Electric, an American multinational corporation headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. It is a leading provider of power generation equipment, including gas turbines, steam turbines, and nuclear reactors. GE Power employs over 40,000 people in over 140 countries.

Apply for visa-sponsored mechanical engineering jobs at GE Power here.

5. BP

BP plc is a British multinational oil and gas company headquartered in London, England. It is one of the world's largest oil and gas companies by market capitalisation. BP has operations in over 80 countries and employs over 70,000 people. The company explores for, produces, refines, and markets oil and gas. BP also provides energy services such as power generation and distribution.

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

How to succeed in your job application?

1. Tailoring Your CV and Portfolio

When applying for mechanical engineering jobs with visa sponsorship, it's crucial to highlight your skills and experience in a way that demonstrates your suitability for the UK market. Here are some tips for tailoring your CV and portfolio:

Quantify your achievements: Use data and metrics to demonstrate the impact of your work.
Highlight your UK experience: If you have any UK experience, even volunteering or internships, mention them prominently.
Showcase UK-relevant skills: Highlight skills and experience that are in high demand in the UK mechanical engineering industry.
Make your application visually appealing: Use a professional layout and design elements to make your CV and portfolio stand out.

You can attend our CV writing workshop to learn more about writing a UK-standard CV that stands out.

2. Acing the Interview

The interview is your opportunity to showcase your skills and experience in person. Here are some tips for acing your mechanical engineering interview:

Research the company: Thoroughly research the company's products, services, and values.
Prepare for behavioural questions: Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they demonstrate your skills.
Highlight your visa sponsorship readiness: Convey your enthusiasm for working in the UK and your commitment to long-term employment.
Express your passion for engineering: Demonstrate your passion for the field and your desire to make a meaningful contribution.

You can attend our interview workshop to learn more about the UK interview process and how to be better prepared.

3. Bonus Tips for Visa-Sponsored Mechanical Engineering Jobs

Network with UK engineers: Attend industry events and meet-ups to build connections and learn about visa-sponsoring opportunities.
Upskill in UK-relevant technologies: Stay updated on the latest technologies in the UK mechanical engineering industry through online courses or professional development programs.