GKN Aerospace Global Graduate Programme (Engineering)

GKN; Bristol; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in the UK is seeking motivated graduates for its GKN Global Graduate programme in Engineering. This 24-month program offers a structured onboarding experience, rotating through various engineering functions. Graduates will work on innovative technologies, supported by dedicated mentors, and enjoy a starting salary of £31,000 with additional benefits. Join a passionate community committed to driving change in aerospace while building your career.

Benefits

Starting salary of £31,000

£1,500 joining bonus

Generous benefits package

Opportunities for international exposure

Qualifications

• Must have graduated within the last two years.
• Genuine interest in aerospace and its impact on the future.

Responsibilities

• Rotate across Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Technology R&D.
• Support real projects from testing to production environments.
• Contribute to sustainable technologies for ambitious goals.

Skills

Enthusiasm

Creativity

Problem-solving

Leadership skills

Education

2:1 or higher degree in relevant engineering or scientific discipline

Job description

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set the standards in our industry, we are inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We’re proud to play a part in protecting the world’s democracies and are committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of 3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

What You’ll Be Doing

GKN Global Graduate – (Engineering)

Start your career shaping the future of aerospace in a place where you’ll feel supported, inspired and encouraged to grow.

At GKN Aerospace we’re a global community bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to design and build the next generation of aerospace technologies. As a graduate you’ll join an inclusive and international team, gain hands‑on experience and grow your career in an environment where your ideas are valued, your voice is heard and your contributions make a real difference.

Our two‑year Engineering Graduate Programme is designed to give you variety, guidance and the confidence to build a strong foundation for your future career. You’ll rotate across key engineering functions and sites, developing technical expertise while strengthening the collaboration, problem‑solving and leadership skills you’ll need to thrive.

As part of the programme you will :

• Rotate across Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering and Technology R&D.
• Work at our manufacturing sites, the Global Technology Centre and within our global engineering teams.
• Support and deliver real projects from testing and verification to tackling technical challenges in labs and production environments.
• Contribute to sustainable cutting‑edge technologies that help us achieve our ambitious goals.
• Use problem‑solving and root‑cause analysis to ensure safety, quality and reliability.
• Play an important role in delivering zero‑defect projects that strengthen our business and our industry.

From day one you’ll take part in a structured onboarding and development journey supported by a mentor buddy and our Global Graduate Community, giving you encouragement, guidance and opportunities to build your network.

Beyond your core role you’ll also have the chance to contribute to community projects, STEM outreach and our early‑careers strategy because, at GKN Aerospace, we believe in making a positive difference together.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to make an impact in aerospace.

To join our programme you’ll need :

• Enthusiasm, creativity and passion with the drive to grow into a future leader and technical expert.
• A 2:1 or higher degree achieved within the last two years in a relevant engineering or scientific discipline (e.g., materials science, physics or related fields).
• A genuine interest in aerospace and excitement about the role it plays in shaping the future of our world.

What Well Offer

At the heart of everything we do are our five culture principles: Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative and Ownership. Safety always comes first but so does your growth, wellbeing and future.

Here’s what you can look forward to when you join us :

• A 24‑month programme with a guaranteed permanent role when you finish.
• Varied and rewarding placements across different projects, programmes and locations.
• The chance to work on innovative technologies that inspire change and shape the future of aerospace.
• Opportunities for international exposure and collaboration.
• A structured development journey designed to help you discover your strengths.
• Ongoing support from a dedicated Home Manager, mentor and buddy throughout your programme.
• A starting salary of £31,000 plus a £1,500 joining bonus and a generous benefits package.
• High visibility across the business from sites and locations to customers and senior stakeholders.
• Ambassador opportunities to inspire others as a STEM ambassador.
• A welcoming global graduate community, a network of peers, friends and future leaders.

We’ll support your career progression by providing you with the learning, development and flexibility to thrive. And because we’re a global business, your career could take you further than you imagined.

What To Expect In The Selection Process

Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive:

1. Apply online by completing our application form, including a few pre‑screening questions.
2. Take part in an online assessment if you meet the initial eligibility criteria. Once you’ve been sent the link you will have two weeks to complete the assessment.
3. Meet one of our friendly team members (yes, a real human!) for a virtual interview if you’re successful at the assessment stage. To be held during December.
4. Join us at our Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol to be held on 10th, 11th or 12th of February. This is where you will get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
5. Begin your journey with us in September 2026 as part of our Graduate Programme.

Further information on our Global Graduate Programme can be found on the FAQs section on our careers website: FAQs – GKN Careers.

Closing date:

Sunday 9th November (we recommend submitting your application without delay).

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 selves 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.