GKN Aerospace Global Graduate Programme (Programme Management)

GKN Aerospace; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading aerospace company in Bristol is seeking motivated graduates for its Graduate Programme. This 24-month program offers hands-on experience in Defence Programme Management, mentorship, and the opportunity to work on innovative aerospace technologies. Ideal candidates should have a degree in engineering or business management and a keen interest in the aerospace industry. The role provides a starting salary of £31,000 plus benefits and a £1,500 joining bonus.

Benefits

Starting salary of £31,000

£1,500 joining bonus

Generous benefits package

Opportunities for international collaboration

Qualifications

• Ability to work with diverse teams and across cultures.
• Interest in shaping the future of aerospace.
• Relevant engineering or business degree.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate in Defence Programme Management.
• Support risk and change management initiatives.
• Review control and monitoring of programme costs.

Skills

Judgment and decision-making

Team collaboration

Interest in Aerospace and Defence

Education

Degree in Engineering or Business Management (2.1 or higher)

Job description

Overview

GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener. 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.

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.

During your placements you will be working as part of a global team, with rotations at our Manufacturing Sites in Luton and Isle of Wight, and with our Business Line team, to equip you with experience and skills to progress to a Programme Management role at the end of the scheme.

What You'll Be Doing

Throughout your graduate journey, you’ll test and grow your technical and personal skills. You’ll collaborate as part of a multi-functional team, often supported by the broader business group from multiple locations, offering you the chance to support day-to-day Defence Programme Management across both New Product Introduction (NPI) and steady-state programmes, including a placement within Commercial. You’ll be part of a structured onboarding and development journey, supported by a mentor, buddy, and our Global Graduate Community, providing encouragement, guidance, and networking opportunities.

As part of our Programme Management Graduate Programme you can expect the following:

• Review and analyse control and monitoring of progress, scope, and cost and resource management within the programme.
• Support the compiling and follow-up work breakdown structure, organisation breakdown structure, and cost breakdown structure schedules/plans for the programme.
• Introduce improvements/recoveries on on-time delivery and quality from Customer Scorecards and delivery schedule adherence.
• Prepare and analyse the Programme Performance Summary.
• Support risk, opportunity and change management.
• Input into Programme Improvement Plans including cost improvement, pricing initiatives, enabling Zero Defects Manufacturing, redesign initiatives, gaining agreement with relevant stakeholders.

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—you’ll be part of 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:

• An ability for sound judgement and decision making, able to work with teams and across cultures
• A degree in any relevant Engineering discipline or Manufacturing/Business Management (2.1 or higher)
• An interest in the Aerospace and Defence industry, the role it plays in shaping the future of our world

What We'll Offer

At the heart of everything we do are our five culture principles: Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative, and Ownership. We also prioritise safety, growth, wellbeing, and your 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 the learning, development, and flexibility to thrive. And because we’re a global business, your career could take you further than you imagined.

Please note: This opportunity is part of GKN Aerospace Defence business. Due to regulatory requirements, some programmes may have nationality restrictions. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide relevant information to ensure compliance.

What to Expect in the Selection Process

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.
3. Meet one of our friendly team members for a virtual interview if you’re successful at the assessment stage.
4. Join us at our Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol to be held in February, where you’ll 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 of our careers website: FAQs - GKN Careers

Closing date: To be confirmed (we recommend submitting your application without delay).

We all make things fly.

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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. 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 diverse minds collaborating in an inspirational environment help us achieve our ambitions. We’re committed to diversity, inclusion and belonging and live by five principles to create a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. We also provide an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch.

We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology.