Technology Intern - Composites

GKN; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

25 days holiday

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Income protection

Bonus

Job summary

GKN Aerospace Bristol invites applications for a year-in-industry internship within the Advanced Composite Processing Methods team. The role provides hands-on work on RTM, tooling, MIS development and cross-functional collaboration across design, manufacturing, quality and supply chain.

Expect exposure to state-of-the-art aerospace composites and real project contributions during a year-long placement. The successful candidate will be an undergraduate in aerospace, mechanical or materials

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in aerospace/ mechanical or materials science.
• Basic knowledge of composites materials and processes.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and specifications.
• Data analysis skills with Excel/Power BI advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing, testing and evaluating composite manufacturing processes.
• Support material trials, process validation and data collection.
• Maintain and release technical documents and reports.
• Develop MIS tools, dashboards and project trackers.
• Support document control and configuration management.
• Assist with engineering tasks, technical analysis and prototype builds.
• Work with design, manufacturing, quality and supply chain teams.
• Contribute to problem-solving and continuous improvement activities.

Skills

Excel

Power BI

Data analysis

English

Teamwork

Education

Undergraduate degree in Aerospace/Mechanical/Materials

Tools

CATIA

NX

SolidWorks

Job description

The GTC Composites Technology Intern will support the development, validation and implementation of composite manufacturing and assembly technologies across a range of ongoing programmes (such as the Aspire programme). This includes supporting technology activities related to wing tips, spars and bonded structural assemblies. The role will also include supporting the wider composites engineering team through documentation management, development of manufacturing Instruction Sheets (MIS), data handling and coordination of technical manufacturing inputs. This is a hands‑on learning role intended to provide exposure to real engineering challenges, cross-functional collaboration and structured professional development. You will conduct hands on activities such as RTM, tool preparation and creating and enacting test plans.

• Assist with developing, testing and evaluating composite manufacturing processes.
• Support material trials, process validation and data collection.
• Maintain and release technical documents and reports.
• Develop MIS tools, dashboards and project trackers.
• Support document control and configuration management.
• Assist with engineering tasks, technical analysis and prototype builds.
• Work with design, manufacturing, quality and supply chain teams.
• Contribute to problem-solving and continuous improvement activities.

This internship offers hands‑on experience in state‑of‑the‑art composite technologies used in advanced aerospace structures across multiple platforms and customers. The intern will gain exposure to industry practices in manufacturing, materials engineering, design support, process development and configuration/document control. There is key involvement in meaningful technical work and contribution to active development projects within the GTC as well as potential exposure to GKN's production facilities and leadership team. We have an opportunity available for aspiring engineers to join our Advance Composite Processing Methods team on a year‑long placement for academic year 26/27. The expected start date is the middle of August/September 2027.

Knowledge and Education

• Must be studying towards an undergraduate degree in any Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Composites Engineering or related discipline.
• Basic knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing processes (e.g., prepreg layup, resin systems, cure cycles, bonding).
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
• Competency in data analysis and handling (Excel, database tools, or Power BI advantageous).

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

• CAD familiarity desirable (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks) but not essential.
• Project experience in composites/manufacturing.

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!

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. 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.

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

Job Segment: Testing, Document Control, R&D Engineer, Supply Chain, Aerospace, Technology, Administrative, Engineering, Operations, Aviation

• 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.