At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our sustainability team to innovate aerospace technologies and improve energy efficiency.
- Company: GKN Aerospace, a leader in sustainable aviation solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, hybrid working, and generous holiday allowance.
- 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 developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Studying Aerospace, Mechanical Engineering, or Material Science with a passion for sustainability.
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.
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.
Job Summary
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 internship will support the sustainability team within technology at GKN’s Global Technology Centre in Bristol.
This team exists to support GKN’s vision to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the sky.
In particular, the intern role will support the technology team to analyse and understand current manufacturing processes within the business, and then support the development and implementation of technology to improve our sustainability through reduced energy usage, reduced material usage, reduced waste etc.
You will be involved in at least one of the following
- Assist in the development and implementation of sustainability projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and resource efficiency.
- Conduct research and analysis on new technologies and practices that can enhance our sustainability efforts.
- Support the team in tracking and reporting on the progress of sustainability initiatives.
- Collaborate with various departments to integrate energy and resource efficiency practices into their operations.
- Assist in the execution of test plans and support the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) process.
- Participate in meetings and contribute ideas to drive continuous improvement in sustainability.
- Support project management systems (eg support updates of project plans).
- 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 an undergraduate degree in Aerospace engineering, Mechanical engineering, or Material Science.
- An enthusiasm for sustainability linked with an interest in aerospace or space science
- 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
- Experience with data analysis, managing collation of data and looking for trends.
- Practical hands on manufacturing experience.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse team
- Good written and verbal communication skills in English, coupled with good IT skills.
What we’re looking for above most other things is a genuine interest and passion for aerospace.
What We'll Offer
We have an opportunity available for aspiring engineers to join our Sustainability 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 at 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.
What To Expect In The Selection Process
Through this process we try to utilise humans in the process as much as we can. Here’s what to expect:
closing date is Sunday 22nd November.
The successful candidates will take part in an online assessment if you meet the initial eligibility criteria.
Once you've been sent the link you will have 2 weeks to complete the assessment.
3. Dependent on volume of applications we may ask you to complete a one-way video interview on Vid Cruiter.
Join us at our Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol, to be held on 2nd or 3rd of February 2027.
This is where you will get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
5. Begin your journey with us in August/September 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 arethe place where human dreams, plus humanendeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.
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Technology Intern - Sustainability 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 Technology Intern - Sustainability
✨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 Technology Intern - Sustainability
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.
