GE Aerospace Defence and Systems Edison Engineering Development Programme (2026)

GE Aerospace; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace engineering company is launching its Edison Engineering Development Programme, aiming to attract exceptional graduates. This transformative program offers technical training, hands-on engineering experience, and opportunities for professional development through a series of rotations in various engineering disciplines. Ideal candidates will have a minimum 2:1 accredited degree and a passion for innovation in aerospace technologies.

Benefits

Performance related bonus

Non-contributory Pension

Life Assurance

Group income protection

Private medical cover

26 days holiday

Qualifications

• Minimum 2:1 Accredited Bachelor's, or a Master’s, Engineering Degree.
• Completion of an engineering placement or internship.
• Demonstrated passion for engineering and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Develop advanced technical and problem-solving skills through training.
• Engage in three technical rotations within the company.
• Participate in STEM Educational Strategy Programmes.

Skills

Technical problem-solving

Time management

Collaboration

Communication

Analytical mindset

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Systems Engineering

Master's degree in Engineering

Job description

Job Description Summary

Launch your engineering career with the GE Aerospace Systems Edison Engineering Development Programme, a world-renowned opportunity for exceptional graduates. Since 1923, this prestigious program has been the foundation for those driven to excel, collaborate, and innovate.

This structured Graduate Development Programme offers technical classes, training to develop your interpersonal, emotional intelligence and professional skills and opportunity to experience the engineering lifecycle through three technical eight-month rotations in Power Distribution, Displays and Controls Avionics Systems, that will develop you into a Professionally Registered Engineer and prepare you to drive innovation at GE Aerospace.

Job Description

About GE Aerospace

Are you ready to see your future take flight? At GE Aerospace, we are advancing aviation technologies for today and tomorrow. Your work will contribute to the production of advanced jet engines, components, and integrated systems that power commercial and military aircraft. You’ll be part of a team that embraces your drive, your curiosity, and your unique ideas and perspectives. Most importantly, you’ll share in our pride and purpose that affects the lives of millions around the world!

Role and responsibilities:

• Advanced Skills Development: Develop advanced technical, problem-solving, and time management skills through Edison A-Course and B-Course, including weekly technical classes, workshops, formal group and individual homework assignments, and presentations. Note: homework reports are completed in your own time, so a commitment to your personal development is required.
• Technical Rotations: Three technical rotations in Systems, Hardware, Software, System Safety, or Reliability Engineering functions, working on projects driven by real GE Aerospace Defence and Systems Power Distribution, Displays and Controls Avionics Systems business priorities.
• Inclusive and Collaborative Environment: The Edison Programme is a highly collaborative environment with a committed team ethos and a highly supportive professional and social community.
• Global Exposure: You will benefit from GE Aerospace’s global breadth by working alongside other programme members and project teams across the world. See first-hand how ideas come to life in a world-leading organization.
• Professional Growth: Develop your engineering competencies towards Professional Registration (EngTech and IEng) through the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
• Leadership Opportunities: Meet with and present to influential GE Aerospace leaders. Develop your professional skills, including teamwork, leadership, understanding self/others, emotional intelligence, and communications.
• Trainings & Seminars: Participate in the GE Aerospace Foundation Programme and Residential Trainings. Note: these trainings include some travel and evening sessions in your own time, so a commitment to invest in your personal development is required.
• Educational Strategy: Lead and participate in our STEM Educational Strategy Programmes, including Cheltenham Science Festival, Royal International Air Tattoo, Farnborough International Air Show and Engineering Work Experience.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum 2:1 Accredited Bachelor's, or a Master’s, Engineering Degree in one of the following (or similar) subjects:
• Aerospace Systems Engineering
• Electronics / Electrical Engineering
• Software Engineering
• Completion of an engineering placement, internship, or work experience in an aerospace or similarly controlled environment, demonstrating familiarity with industry standards, safety protocols, and regulated processes.
• Prior experience working as part of an engineering team, demonstrating effective collaboration, communication, and contribution to achieving project goals in a team-based environment.
• Understanding of GE Aerospace's Defence and Systems Cheltenham business, including familiarity with our products, key technologies, and the customers we serve.
• Proven ability to approach complex engineering challenges with an analytical mindset, leveraging data-driven decision-making and collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams to develop innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated passion for engineering and innovation, including evidence of personal projects, hobbies, or initiatives undertaken outside of formal work or academic settings.
• A strong commitment to ongoing professional development in engineering, demonstrated through participation in industry certifications, advanced coursework, technical workshops, professional organizations, or self-directed learning initiatives.

Additional Desired Characteristics

• An Accredited Master's Degree
• An Engineering Internship with GE Aerospace
• Strong commitment to personal and professional development, including active membership in a recognized professional institution (e.g., Institution of Engineering and Technology) and a demonstrated desire to pursue professional registration as an Incorporated and/or Chartered Engineer
• Existing Professional Registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech)
• Demonstrated active participation in STEM outreach initiatives or educational programs

Total Reward

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.

As a new joiner to GE we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs;

• Performance related bonus
• Non-contributory Pension
• Life Assurance
• Group income protection
• Private medical cover
• Holiday Hourly equivalent of 26 days, with flexible option to buy or sell

Recruitment Process

As part of our recruitment process, you will be required to submit an initial CV application. After this, you may be invited to a video interview. If successful, you may then be invited to the final stage which would be to attend an assessment centre on site. Our recruitment team will be in touch with you at every stage to keep you updated.

If you require any adjustments to the process to enable you to be at your best, please email the team via [e-mail]

Please note our applications will close on Friday 31st October but may close earlier dependant on application volumes. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Security Clearance

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS

Right to Work

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post. Further, sponsorship is not available for our Early Careers opportunities. For further information please visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.

Apply Today

This opportunity will elevate your skills, strengthen your leadership, and ignite your potential if you’re willing to invest your time and effort into this transformative two-year journey.

Embark on a transformative journey in a collaborative and supportive environment, where you’ll tackle cutting-edge engineering challenges and gain invaluable hands-on technical experience. Join the prestigious Edison Engineering Development Program at GE Aerospace and play a pivotal role in inventing the future of flight.

Whether we are manufacturing components for our engines, driving innovation in fuel and noise reduction, or unlocking new opportunities to grow and deliver more productivity, our GE Aerospace teams are dedicated and making a global impact. Join us and help move the aerospace industry forward.