At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the development of cutting-edge composite technologies in aerospace.
- Company: Join GKN Aerospace, a leader in innovative air travel solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, generous holiday, and a vibrant intern community.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for international exposure and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of aerospace while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Studying aerospace, mechanical, or materials engineering with a passion for composites.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ 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 hiring for several years 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 GTC Composites Technology Intern will support the development, validation and implementation of composite manufacturing and assembly technologies across a range of ongoing programmes (such as the Aspire programme). This includes supporting technology activities related to wing tips, spars and bonded structural assemblies. The role will also include supporting the wider composites engineering team through documentation management, development of manufacturing Instruction Sheets (MIS), data handling and coordination of technical manufacturing inputs.
This is a hands‑on learning role intended to provide exposure to real engineering challenges, cross‑functional collaboration and structured professional development. You will conduct hands on activities such as RTM, tool preparation and creating and enacting test plans. Assist with developing, testing and evaluating composite manufacturing processes. Support material trials, process validation and data collection. Maintain and release technical documents and reports. Develop MIS tools, dashboards and project trackers. Support document control and configuration management. Assist with engineering tasks, technical analysis and prototype builds. Work with design, manufacturing, quality and supply chain teams. Contribute to problem‑solving and continuous improvement activities.
This internship offers hands‑on experience in state of the art composite technologies used in advanced aerospace structures across multiple platforms and customers. The intern will gain exposure to industry practices in manufacturing, materials engineering, design support, process development and configuration/document control. There is key involvement in meaningful technical work and contribution to active development projects within the GTC as well as potential exposure to GKN's production facilities and leadership team.
What You'll Bring
We are looking for you to bring your best self, we believe we can add the most as an individual while being our true selves. For this opportunity we're looking for candidates who have the following skills, experiences, or education:
- Knowledge and Education: Must be studying towards an undergraduate degree in any Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Composites Engineering or related discipline. Basic knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing processes (e.g., prepreg layup, resin systems, cure cycles, bonding). Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications. Competency in data analysis and handling (Excel, database tools, or Power BI advantageous).
- Functional Behaviours & Capabilities: Eager to learn new technical skillsets, both software and hardware. Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse team. Written and verbal communication skills in English. Attention to detail.
- Desirable: CAD familiarity desirable (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks) but not essential. Project experience in composites/manufacturing.
What We'll Offer
We have an opportunity available for aspiring engineers to join our Advance Composite Processing Methods team on a year‑long placement for academic year 26/27. The expected start date is the middle of August/September 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:
- A starting salary of £24,500, plus a starting bonus of £500 and generous benefits package.
- A welcoming year in industry intern community.
- Opportunities for international exposure and collaboration.
- Flexible working hours including the ability to finish early on a Friday.
- Hybrid working.
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- An industry leading pension scheme; 1.5 x employee contribution (max 12%).
- 8x salary life assurance scheme.
- Income protection.
- A collaborative, dynamic working environment.
Kick-start your career in aerospace and become part of GKN's team.
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.
Technology Intern - Composites in London 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 Technology Intern - Composites in London
✨Connect with University Networks
Let’s leverage your university connections! Many universities have aerospace engineering societies or workshops where major companies often scout for talent. Give those events a go, and don’t hesitate to chat with guest lecturers or industry professionals — they might just know about upcoming internships!
✨Get Involved in Relevant Projects
Hands-on experience is key in aerospace engineering! Look for summer projects, competitions, or even university research roles that showcase your skills. The more you can demonstrate practical experience, the better your chances at landing that internship!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Aerospace
Join online communities focused on aerospace engineering, like forums or LinkedIn groups. Participate in discussions and share your projects or insights. This visibility can set you apart and get you noticed by recruiters looking for passionate interns like you!
✨Consider Local Aerospace Events
Keep an eye out for aerospace expos or job fairs in your area. These are excellent opportunities to network face-to-face with potential employers. Bring some copies of your CV, and don't forget to mention that you're eyeing an internship with companies like GKN Aerospace company!
We think you need these skills to ace Technology Intern - Composites in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Skills:In aerospace engineering, it's key to highlight your technical skills upfront. Make sure to mention any design software you’ve used, like CATIA or SolidWorks, and detail any projects you’ve worked on, whether in university or personal endeavours. It shows you're ready to hit the ground running!
Tailor Your CV to the Role:Since this is an internship, we want to see your learning potential. Focus on relevant coursework, projects, and any hands-on experience in aerospace or engineering. Don't forget to include extracurricular activities like joining engineering clubs or competitions that can showcase your passion for the field!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Here’s your chance to tell your story! Explain why aerospace engineering excites you and what you hope to learn from GKN Aerospace company. Be genuine about your motivation and don’t shy away from sharing specific goals you have for the internship — it helps us see your enthusiasm and how you could fit our team!
Include Academic Achievements:Your academic record can make a real difference, especially for an internship. Highlight any relevant courses you excelled in and include your grades, particularly in maths and physics. If you’ve participated in research or published any papers, be sure to mention them as well — it gives us an insight into your technical background!
How to prepare for a job interview at GKN Aerospace company
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Fundamentals
Since we're diving into the world of aerospace engineering, make sure you're solid on the core concepts. Expect questions on aerodynamics, materials science, and propulsion systems. It’ll give you a great chance to showcase your knowledge and passion for the field!
✨Showcase Your Projects
As an intern, what they want to see is your potential and enthusiasm! Prepare a portfolio of relevant projects or coursework. Even if they’re just uni assignments, if you got into the nitty-gritty details, it shows you’ve got the skills we need to develop further.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Aerospace engineering often involves tackling complex problems, so be ready for some situational questions. You might be asked to solve a hypothetical engineering challenge on the spot, so think through your problem-solving process and be clear in your explanations.
✨Convey Your Learning Mindset
As this is an internship, they'll be looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Be prepared to talk about what you want to achieve during your internship at GKN Aerospace company. Show them that you’re keen to absorb knowledge from their expertise in the industry, and how those experiences will shape your career.
