Technology Intern - Digital and Simulation Placement 2027

GKN Aerospace; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Starting salary £24,500

£500 starting bonus

Hybrid working

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Industry-leading pension

Job summary

GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre in Bristol offers year-in-industry placements for students to work on real aerospace projects and gain hands-on experience. The 12‑month placement begins around August/September 2027, with access to industry experts and opportunities across the business.

The role focuses on digital and AI processes to support manufacturing, including factory simulation, machine data analytics, and cross-site deployment of new technologies.

Qualifications

• Must be studying towards an undergraduate degree in any computer science related discipline.
• Experience with writing code.

Responsibilities

• Develop digital technologies to support the manufacturing of next-generation aircraft.
• Work on factory simulation, data analytics and AI technologies across GKN sites.
• Spend majority of time at the Bristol GTC in a hands-on learning environment.
• Contribute to digital and AI projects for industrial roll-out of i4.0 technologies.

Skills

Writing code

Teamwork

English communication

Eagerness to learn

Education

Undergraduate degree in computer science or related discipline

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 digital and simulation technology cluster are available for enthusiastic candidates seeking to develop knowledge and skill in developing new digital and AI processes to support the manufacturing of the next generation of aircraft.

Typically we evaluate and develop digital technologies such as factory simulation, machine data handling and analytics and AI technologies to improve our manufacturing and business processes. We deliver these technologies across GKN sites, both nationally and internationally.

You will spend the bulk of your time at our GTC where we have the facility to develop digital technologies within our test environment prior to roll out to the wider GKN community.

Our internships will offer the opportunity to be involved with some the following:

• Support the development of mature technology for GKN factory applications and industrial roll out of i4.0 technologies
• Support processes for the implementation of AI technologies into our manufacturing processes.
• Support the connectivity for factory IIOT devices
• Standardise cyber security of devices
• Support in developing standards (shop floor devices & equipment)
• Investigate data opportunities for automation and robotics.

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 any computer science related discipline.
• Experience with writing code.

Functional Behaviours & Capabilities

• Eager to learn new technical skillsets.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse team.
• Written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Attention to detail.

Desirable

• Understanding of aerospace engineering and technology systems.
• An understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes.

What We'll Offer

We have an opportunity available for aspiring engineers to join our Digital & Simulation 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.

Kick‑start your career in aerospace and become part of GKN’s team.

What To Expect in The Selection Process

Through this process we try to utilise humans in the process as much as we can. Here’s what to expect:

• 1. Apply online by completing our application form, including a few pre‑screening questions. (closing date is Sunday 22nd November).
• 2. 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.
• 3. Dependent on volume of applications we may ask you to complete a one‑way video interview on VidCruiter.
• 4. 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.
• 5. 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.

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.