Technology Intern - Machining Placement 2027

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

Job summary

GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre in Bristol is looking for Year in Industry students for a 12‑month industrial placement starting Aug/Sep 2027. You will join the Subtractive Machining Technology team, gaining hands-on experience with metallic manufacturing processes for future aircraft technologies.

You’ll spend time in manufacturing and labs, have access to a 5-axis CNC machine, and collaborate with production sites, universities, and partners to advance machining capabilities.

Qualifications

• Must be studying towards an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or another related engineering discipline.
• Willingness 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.

Responsibilities

• Placements in the GKN Subtractive Machining Technology team to develop knowledge and skills in metallic manufacturing processes for the next generation of aircraft.
• Work with production sites to improve current technology and develop machining technology for tomorrow.
• Access to a 5-axis CNC machine and advanced metallic testing facility; collaborate with universities and catapult partners.
• Spend around 20-40% of time hands-on with manufacturing or laboratory equipment.
• Machining and finishing of samples using state-of-the-art equipment at the GTC.
• Testing and development of machining technologies within the GTC or onsite facilities.
• Creation of NC code for machining of components; simulate machining programs.
• Exposure to current machining centres in production facilities within GKN.

Skills

Team collaboration

English communication

Attention to detail

Willingness to learn

Education

Undergraduate degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

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 Subtractive Machining Technology team are available for enthusiastic candidates seeking to develop knowledge and skill in developing new metallic manufacturing processes for the next generation of aircraft.
• We work closely with production sites to improve the technology we use today and to develop machining technology for tomorrow.
• As a team we have on‑site access to full 5‑axis machining centre and an advanced metallic testing facility. Through our extensive partnership network we have access to further machining centres at universities, our catapult partners and extensive industrial ecosystem.
• Typically you’ll spend around 20-40% of your time hands on with manufacturing or laboratory equipment.
• Machining and finishing of samples using a state of the art instrumented 5‑axis CNC machine at the GTC.
• Testing and development of machining technologies, either within the GTC or onsite in our production facilities.
• Creation of NC code for machining of components.
• Simulation of machining programs.
• Exposure to current machining centres in our current production facilities within GKN.

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 Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or another related engineering 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 machining experience in milling or turning
• Knowledge of material science
• 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 Subtractive Machining 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.

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.