About Cirrus Selection

 

Cirrus Selection is a specialist recruitment consultancy focused on defence, aerospace and advanced engineering across the UK.
 
With over 40 years of combined recruitment experience and more than two decades operating in highly regulated technical markets, we understand the complexity behind hiring in safety-critical, clearance-sensitive environments.
 
We are not generalist recruiters. We work where technical depth, structured process and hiring realism matter.

 

Why We Specialise

 

Engineering recruitment within defence and advanced technology environments is different.
 
Projects are complex. Timelines are tight. Clearance eligibility can restrict candidate pools. Salary misalignment can derail searches quickly.
 
We focus exclusively on these markets because they require:
 

  • Technical fluency

  • Clearance awareness

  • Structured screening

  • Honest market feedback

 
That focus allows us to deliver consistent, well-calibrated shortlists rather than speculative CV submissions.

 

Our Approach

 

We operate a defined recruitment lifecycle that reduces risk and protects hiring momentum.
 
 
From role calibration through to onboarding support, our process is designed to:
 

  • Clarify what “good” looks like

  • Align expectations with market reality

  • Screen beyond job titles

  • Identify potential risks early

  • Maintain engagement through notice and clearance timelines

 
Our role is not simply to introduce candidates. It is to support informed hiring decisions.

 

How We Work

 

We believe in transparency, clarity and direct communication.
 

If a salary band is unrealistic, we will say so.

If a role is over-specified, we will help refine it.

If the timeline is ambitious, we will advise on how to protect it.

Long-term client relationships are built on honesty and delivery, not volume.

 

Leadership

 

Cirrus Selection is led by experienced recruiters who have built long-standing relationships across UK defence and advanced engineering markets.

We understand both client pressures and candidate motivations, and we manage both professionally and respectfully.

 

                                

David Cox

Managing Director / Joint Owner                                                                                                                  

David is a founding Director of Cirrus Selection, specialising in connecting high calibre engineering professionals with organisations across the defence and aerospace sectors. As well as working closely with clients and candidates, he oversees the day-to-day running of the business, including strategy, finance and legal matters.

 

With a recruitment career spanning two decades, David has built strong relationships across the technical engineering and supply chain markets, helping companies secure the right talent while supporting candidates in progressing their careers.

 

Outside of work, David enjoys time with his wife and children. He is a keen sports fan and enjoys fishing, playing darts and attempting to improve his golf.                       

       

Steve Pickering

Operations Director / Joint Owner

 

 

As one of the founder members of Cirrus Selection, Steve is responsible for business development, client engagement activity, social media expansion, and managing our supplier network. Steve has over 25 years of technical recruitment experience and is regarded as a defence and aerospace expert, having a wealth of lifetime knowledge gained through a genuine passion for the subject.

 

Steve has the ability to engage on a technical, professional and more personal level, demonstrating a clear passion for the people, industries and companies he works with.

 

Outside of work, Steve enjoys spending time with family and friends, is a keen Liverpool FC supporter, and also enjoys music, film and going to the gym.

 

 

HUMAN TOUCH | RELATIONSHIP | PASSION | KNOWLEDGE | INTEREST | INTEGRITY