The Evolving Role of Women in Aerospace

Historically dominated by men, the aerospace industry is undergoing a transformation. Increasingly, women are not only entering the field but leading critical innovations in aviation, defence and space exploration. From design engineering to executive leadership, women are helping reshape the future of flight.

While women still make up less than 30% of the global aerospace workforce, that number is steadily rising thanks to inclusive policies, education initiatives and changing cultural perceptions. Organisations like the Royal Aeronautical Society and Women in Aerospace Europe are also working to increase visibility and opportunities for women across the sector.

 

Women Who Changed the Industry

Pioneers such as Dr. Mae Jemison, the first Black woman in space, and Mary Jackson, NASA’s first Black female engineer, have long demonstrated the value women bring to aerospace. In the UK and Europe, modern trailblazers like Anita Sengupta (aerospace engineer on the Mars Curiosity Rover) and Sabine Klauke (Chief Technical Officer at Airbus) are proving that aerospace is a field for everyone.

Their success stories reflect a wider trend—women in aerospace roles are contributing to faster innovation, improved safety standards, and the development of sustainable aviation technologies.

 

Today’s Leading Women in Aerospace

Sabine Klauke, Chief Technical Officer at Airbus, is one of the most prominent women in the global aerospace sector today. With over 20 years of engineering leadership experience, she now leads the company’s research and development across future aircraft, sustainability, and digitalisation. Klauke is a strong advocate for environmental responsibility in aviation, guiding Airbus towards net-zero emissions through innovation in hydrogen propulsion and hybrid-electric technologies.

Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, is widely credited with turning Elon Musk’s space vision into a viable business. Under her leadership, SpaceX has scaled from start-up status to becoming the first private company to send astronauts to the International Space Station. Shotwell manages day-to-day operations and has secured billions in commercial and government contracts, playing a critical role in advancing space exploration and aerospace entrepreneurship.

Dr. Sheila Widnall was the first woman to lead a branch of the US military as Secretary of the Air Force and remains a pioneering academic in aeronautics. As a professor at MIT, she has contributed significantly to fluid dynamics, aircraft turbulence and the science behind aircraft design. Dr. Widnall continues to advocate for women in STEM and has mentored countless young engineers entering the aerospace field.

 

 

Why Gender Diversity Matters in Aerospace

A more diverse workforce leads to better performance. Research by McKinsey & Company shows that companies in the top quartile for gender diversity on executive teams were 25% more likely to have above-average profitability.

In technical industries like aerospace, having multiple perspectives improves problem-solving and design thinking, both crucial for complex engineering challenges. From cockpit design to mission planning, inclusive teams simply create better outcomes.

 

Barriers Women Still Face—and How We Can Remove Them

Despite the progress, there are still hurdles to overcome. Gender bias in hiring, lack of mentorship, and limited visibility in leadership roles all contribute to a slower pipeline of female talent.

Companies that wish to support diversity should:

  • Implement bias-free recruitment processes
  • Promote women into senior technical and leadership roles
  • Provide mentorship and STEM outreach programmes
  • Ensure equal access to training and development

At VHR, we understand that talent comes from all backgrounds. We actively work with aerospace clients to ensure they attract and retain diverse candidates by offering fair, inclusive and supportive recruitment solutions.

 

Women in Aerospace Careers: Opportunities at Every Level

The future of aerospace needs skilled professionals—and the sector is open to people from a variety of educational and career backgrounds.

Women entering the industry today can pursue roles including:

  • Aerospace Engineers
  • Maintenance Technicians
  • Project Managers
  • Data Analysts and Simulation Experts
  • Avionics and Software Developers

With the aerospace sector shifting toward digitalisation, green technology and automation, women with skills in AI, cybersecurity and systems engineering are in high demand.

If you're a woman considering a career in aerospace—or a company looking to hire skilled professionals—VHR can help you find the right opportunity or talent to help your organisation soar.

 

 

Staffing in Aerospace: How VHR Supports Gender Equality

VHR is proud to support gender diversity across Aerospace & Aviation. Our global recruitment solutions connect companies with skilled engineers, technicians, and support professionals of all genders, from entry-level roles to leadership positions.

We advocate for fair hiring practices and work with clients that foster inclusive workplaces. By helping businesses access a broader talent pool, we contribute to more equitable, future-ready teams in aerospace.

 

Further Reading on Careers in Aerospace and Inclusion

If you're interested in learning more about the aerospace sector and technical careers, explore our related content: