Technology Intern - Automation Placement 2027

GKN Aerospace; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting salary £24,500

Starting bonus £500

Hybrid working

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Life assurance (8x)

Income protection

International exposure

Job summary

GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre in Bristol invites applications for year-in-industry placements. You will join the Automation Technology team to develop new automated manufacturing processes for next-generation aircraft, working with industrial robots and control systems on site.

We look for undergraduates in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic or Aerospace engineering with a passion for aerospace, strong teamwork and English communication.

Qualifications

• Must be studying toward an undergraduate degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Electronic engineering, Aerospace engineering or another related discipline.
• We value eagerness to learn new technical skillsets and ability to work collaboratively within a diverse team.
• Strong written and verbal communication in English and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and test automated systems within the Automation Technology team.
• Work with PLC code and automation equipment on site.
• Support installation of industrial automated technology into the GTC.
• Create technical documentation and collaborate with automation suppliers.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Team collaboration

English communication

Attention to detail

Education

Undergraduate degree: Mechatronics/Mechanical/Electrical/Electronic/Aerospace

Tools

PLC programming

Automation systems

Job description

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

Placements in the GKN Automation Technology team are available for enthusiastic candidates seeking to develop knowledge and skill in creating new automated manufacturing processes for the next generation of aircraft. We work closely with production sites to improve the technology we use today and to develop automated technology for tomorrow.

As a team we have on-site access to industrial robots, control systems and advanced aerospace automated assembly cells that we use to enhance GKN's ability to adopt future automated technologies.

Typically you’ll spend around 20-40% of your time hands on with our automated equipment.

Our internships will offer the opportunity to be involved with at least one of the following:

• Develop and test automated systems
• Work with PLC code
• Support with the installation of industrial automated technology into the GTC
• Work with industrial robots
• Create technical documentation
• Work with automation suppliers within our ecosystem

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 towards an undergraduate degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical or Electronic engineering, Aerospace engineering or another related discipline.

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

• Hands on experience with automation projects
• Understanding of electronic systems
• Experience with writing code
• An understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes

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 automation 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.

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.

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.

What To Expect In The Hiring Process

• Apply online by completing our application form, including a few pre-screening questions. (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.
• Dependent on volume of applications we may ask you to complete a one-way video interview on VidCruiter.
• 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.
• 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.