At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Hydrogen Systems team and work on zero-emission flight technologies.
- Company: GKN Aerospace, a leader in innovative aerospace solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, 25 days holiday, and industry-leading pension.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sustainable aviation while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Studying Electrical/Electronic Engineering or related field with problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we’re inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies. And we’re committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet.
GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre in Bristol is the company's flagship aerospace research and development hub, bringing together engineers, researchers and industry partners to develop next-generation aircraft technologies, advanced manufacturing processes and sustainable aviation solutions. It plays a key role in innovations such as lightweight composite structures, electrification, hydrogen-powered flight technologies and the decarbonisation of aerospace.
We are currently recruiting a number of Year in Industry internship opportunities at our Bristol GTC. As a Year in Industry student, you'll have the opportunity to work on real projects that contribute to the future of aerospace. You'll gain hands-on experience, receive support from industry experts, and develop valuable skills that will accelerate your career. Our interns make a genuine impact from day one and are trusted to contribute to meaningful work across the business.
Location: GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre, Bristol, UK
Contract: 12-month industrial placement
Start Date: August/September 2027
What You'll Be Doing
The internship will support the Hydrogen Systems team working on flagship programmes, H2FlyGHT and ICEFlight, which develop electrical and cryogenic power distribution technologies for zero-emissions flight. We are seeking talented candidates who want to gain exposure to the development of next generation aircraft.
- Requirements development & management.
- Support the development and operation of a low-power Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test rig representing an electric aircraft and conduct electrical tests.
- Assist with subscale and full-scale electrical testing and integration.
- Troubleshoot & Problem solve system and test issues.
- Contribute to the development of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) and Power Distribution Centres (PDCs) designs and their operation.
- Codify learning and work using a model-based engineering approach, technical documentation, and test reports.
- Connect and integrate between multidisciplinary engineering teams.
What You'll Bring
If you’re working towards a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related field, this is your chance to contribute to a future of zero-emission flight.
What we are looking for:
Essential
- Studying towards a degree in Electrical/Electronic Engineering or a related discipline
- Understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and circuit analysis
- Knowledge of electrical power systems, battery systems or power electronics
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and schematic
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Motivated and organised
Desirable
- Experience with practical engineering or laboratory projects
- Familiarity with MATLAB/Simulink, Python or similar engineering tool
- Understanding of microgrid architectures
- Awareness of Hardware-in-the-Loop testing and system integration
- Interest in aerospace and electrified propulsion technologies
- Work experience within a relevant field
- A keen interest in Aerospace
What We'll Offer
We have an opportunity available for aspiring engineers to join our Hydrogen Systems team on a 12-month industrial placement for academic year 27/28. The expected start date is the end of August 2027. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to immerse yourself in innovative aerospace projects, develop cutting-edge technologies, and gain experience that could define your career.
If you’re a self-starter looking for a varied and challenging placement, we want to hear from you!
Here’s what to look forward to when you join us:
- Starting salary of £24,500, plus a £500 starting bonus
- Be part of a broad Year in Industry intern community
- Work alongside world leading Technical Authorities and Fellows
- Work at GKN's flagship Global Technology Centre in Bristol
- Flexible working hours, including the ability to finish early on Fridays
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Opportunity to balance theoretical learning with practical hands‑on delivery
- An industry leading pension scheme, 1.5x employee contribution (max 12%)
- Collaborative, dynamic working environment
What To Expect In The Selection Process
Throughout this process we try to utilise human interaction in the process as much as we can. Here’s what to expect:
- Apply online by completing our application form (closing date is Sunday the 29th of November).
- Successful candidates will be invited to take part in an online behavioural assessment. You will have 2 weeks to complete the assessment.
- Dependent on number of applications we may ask you to complete a video submission with pre-provided questions.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol, on Tuesday the 9th of February 2027. This is where you will get the chance to meet the team and showcase your skills and potential.
- For successful candidates your journey with us will commence late August 2027, as part of our Global Technology Centre Year in Industry Intern Programme.
*Please note that GKN Aerospace reserves the right to change this process if we feel it will benefit our hiring process. This will be communicated to any relevant candidates as necessary.
We’ll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities. This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go?
A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working. Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we’ve created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It’s a culture that won us ‘The Best Workplace Culture Award’. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work. We’re also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know.
We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.
Hydrogen Systems Internship - Electrical/Electronic employer: GKN Aerospace company
GKN Aerospace is an attractive employer due to its commitment to sustainability and innovation in the aerospace sector. The company provides numerous opportunities for professional growth and international assignments, fostering a supportive work culture. Employees can expect to be part of a team that is dedicated to making a significant impact on the future of aviation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hydrogen Systems Internship - Electrical/Electronic
✨Get Involved in Engineering Societies
Join local engineering societies or student chapters; they often have networking events and workshops tailored for internship seekers. It's a great way to meet professionals and get insider tips on which companies, like GKN Aerospace company, are hiring!
✨Attend Career Fairs and Workshops
Make the most of your university's career fairs! These events often feature companies looking specifically for interns, and they give us the chance to make a direct impression on recruiters from places like GKN Aerospace company. Bring your best elevator pitch and showcase your enthusiasm!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Make sure to create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing any relevant projects you’ve worked on, whether it's uni assignments or personal projects. This visual representation will help you stand out during interviews or casual chats with engineers from GKN Aerospace company!
✨Leverage Internships to Build Skills
Don't just aim for any internship; seek out those that allow you to learn and grow. Even roles at startups can offer hands-on experience that's invaluable. We should focus on companies like GKN Aerospace company that may have rotational internship programmes, providing us with diverse experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace Hydrogen Systems Internship - Electrical/Electronic
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the engineering world, we want to see your technical skills front and centre. When you’re crafting your CV, highlight any relevant coursework, projects, or software you’ve used. If you’ve got experience with CAD programs or any engineering software, make sure to mention that to grab our attention!
Tailor Your Motivation in the Cover Letter:This internship is all about learning and growth, so let us know why you're excited about this opportunity at GKN Aerospace company. Your cover letter should reflect your passion for engineering and willingness to learn — share what makes us the perfect place for you to dip your toes into the industry!
Include Relevant Academic Projects:If you've completed any engineering projects, whether in class or on your own time, showcase those in your application. We love to see practical experience, even if it’s from school! Detail what you did, what techniques you used, and any challenges you faced. This shows us you can apply your knowledge in real-world situations.
Keep it Clear and Concise:When you're applying for an internship, we know it can be tempting to cram every detail into your CV or cover letter. But keep it clear and to the point! One page for your CV is usually enough — highlight the most relevant bits and make sure your passion for engineering shines through without any fluff.
How to prepare for a job interview at GKN Aerospace company
✨Brush Up on Technical Fundamentals
For an engineering internship like the one at GKN Aerospace company, it’s essential to have a solid grasp of core principles. Expect technical questions that test your understanding of basic engineering concepts. We recommend revising key topics relevant to the role and finding some example problems to solve ahead of time.
✨Show Your Passion for Engineering
During the interview, we should communicate our enthusiasm for engineering and the specific area you're applying to. Share any projects, coursework, or experiences that fuelled your interest. Companies like GKN Aerospace company often look for candidates who not only have the skills but also a genuine passion for the field.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Be ready for situational questions that probe your problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities. You might be asked how you would approach a specific engineering challenge or design a solution to a hypothetical problem relevant to the industry. Think through a few scenarios before going in, as these can really demonstrate your thought process.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
Internships often involve collaboration, so we should be prepared to discuss our experiences working in teams. Have examples ready where you've worked as part of a group on projects, whether in a school setting or during co-curricular activities. This will show GKN Aerospace company that we understand the importance of collaboration in engineering.
