At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Hydrogen Systems team in developing zero-emissions flight technologies.
- Company: Join GKN Aerospace, a leader in innovative aerospace solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, 25 days holiday, and industry-leading pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge aerospace projects that shape the future.
- Qualifications: Studying Mechanical, Aerospace, or Electrical Engineering; strong problem-solving skills required.
The predicted salary is between 24500 - 24500 £ per year.
The internship will support the Hydrogen Systems team working on flagship programmes, H2Fly GHT 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.
- Main Activities and Responsibilities
- Support the design, development and maturation of cryogenic and hydrogen system hardware.
- Work closely with engineers and technicians to support prototype manufacture, assembly and integration activities.
- Provide hands‑on support during shop floor builds and hardware development programmes.
- Assist with laboratory testing, rig commissioning and development trials.
- Analyse test results and support technical investigations and root cause activities.
- Support engineering assessments, trade studies and design reviews.
- Generate and maintain engineering documentation, test procedures, reports and presentations.
- Support troubleshooting of development hardware and test rigs.
- Collaborate with Systems, Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineers to deliver hardware through build and test.
- What You'll Bring
- Studying towards a degree in Mechanical, Aerospace or Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related field.
- Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical documentation and test data.
- Comfortable working in both office and workshop/laboratory environments.
- Good communication skills and ability to work within a multidisciplinary engineering team.
- Enthusiastic, hands‑on approach to engineering development and prototype build activities.
- Willingness to support both engineering design activities and shop floor hardware builds.
- Motivated and organised.
Desirable
- Interest in cryogenic systems, thermal management or aerospace systems.
- Understanding of heat transfer, thermodynamics and related disciplines.
- Experience using CAD, Math CAD, MATLAB or similar engineering tools.
- Experience supporting prototype assembly, testing or laboratory activities.
- Understanding of manufacturing, fabrication or mechanical assembly processes.
- Experience analysing test data and presenting technical finding.
- A keen interest in Aerospace.
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.
With over 16,000 employees across 32 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.6bn in 2025.
There are no limits to where you can take your career., 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.
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.
Opportunity Details
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 GKNs 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.
Hydrogen Systems Internship - Cryogenic employer: GKN
GKN Aerospace is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at our East Cowes site where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee development and continuous improvement, we provide ample opportunities for growth while fostering a culture that values teamwork and excellence in aerospace manufacturing. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to driving performance and making a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hydrogen Systems Internship - Cryogenic
✨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!
We think you need these skills to ace Hydrogen Systems Internship - Cryogenic
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. 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
✨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. Show them that you’re keen to absorb knowledge from their expertise in the industry, and how those experiences will shape your career.
