About Us

Who we are

A focused specialist, not a generalist. We recruit engineers and technical specialists for organisations working in regulated, safety-critical markets.

Our background

Specialists in regulated technical markets

Cirrus Selection is a UK recruitment consultancy specialising in defence, aerospace and advanced engineering. Between us we bring over 40 years of combined recruitment experience, and more than 20 years working in regulated technical markets.

Why we specialise

These markets are different. Projects are complex, timelines are tight, clearance requirements restrict the candidate pool, and unrealistic salary expectations can derail a search. A generalist approach struggles here.

  • Technical fluency. We understand the roles we recruit for.
  • Clearance awareness. Eligibility is addressed in the first conversation.
  • Structured screening. We look beyond job titles to real experience.
  • Candid market feedback. We will tell you when a salary band or timeline is unrealistic, and help you refine an over-specified role.
Our process

A defined recruitment lifecycle

  1. Role calibration

    Agree what a good hire looks like, the must-haves and the realistic package.

  2. Market mapping

    Identify where the right people are, including those not actively looking.

  3. Search & engagement

    Targeted approaches to relevant engineers and specialists.

  4. Technical & motivational screening

    Depth of experience, lifecycle involvement, clearance and motivation checked early.

  5. Structured shortlist

    Candidates you can act on, with risks flagged up front.

  6. Interview & feedback management

    Keeping both sides informed and moving.

  7. Offer, notice & onboarding

    Support through offers, long notice periods and clearance timelines.

Leadership

The people you will speak to

David Cox, Managing Director

David Cox

Managing Director · Co-founder

Oversees strategy, finance and legal matters, with around two decades of recruitment experience in defence and aerospace.

Steve Pickering, Operations Director

Steve Pickering

Operations Director · Co-founder

Leads business development, client engagement and our supplier network, with over 25 years in technical recruitment.

Testimonials

In their words

“David was incredibly communicative and helpful for the duration of my interactions with him.”

KarthikTest Architect, Electronics

“Any candidate would be lucky to have you as a recruiter.”

DannyData Engineer, Defence Prime Contractor

“Whether candidate or hiring manager, Steve will be an asset to you.”

PeterManaging Director, Aerospace Engineering Client

“I have no reservations in recommending Steve and look forward to working with him in the future.”

SandraHR & Resourcing Manager, Aerospace Engineering Client

“I would recommend Steve wholeheartedly to any candidates seeking a knowledgeable, dedicated and approachable recruiter.”

JoelSystems Engineer, Defence Prime Contractor

“I highly recommend his professional ability and expertise.”

IraklisHead of Business Development, Space & Satellite Company

Planning a hire?

Talk to us for a realistic view of the market before you start.

Discuss a Vacancy