Technology Intern - Sustainability

GKN; Bristol; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 27,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Flexible hours

25 days holiday

Job summary

GKN Aerospace Bristol is offering a year-in-industry internship within the Sustainability team at the Global Technology Centre. You will work on analysing current manufacturing processes and help develop and implement technologies to improve energy efficiency, reduce material usage and waste.

The role supports TRL testing, data analysis and cross‑functional collaboration. You will join a multi-disciplinary team, with the chance to gain hands-on manufacturing experience and contribute to

Qualifications

• Must be an undergraduate student in Aerospace engineering, Mechanical engineering, or Materials Science.
• Enthusiasm for sustainability and aerospace/space science.
• Desirable: practical hands-on manufacturing experience.
• Good written and verbal English communication, collaboration with diverse teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development and implementation of sustainability projects to improve energy and resource efficiency.
• Conduct research and analysis on new technologies and practices for sustainability.
• Support tracking and reporting progress of sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate with departments to integrate energy and resource efficiency into operations.
• Support execution of test plans and TRL processes.
• Participate in meetings and contribute ideas to continuous improvement.
• Support updates of project plans and project management systems.
• Year-in-industry placement for academic year 26/27; expected start Aug/Sep 2027.

Skills

Aerospace engineering

Mechanical engineering

Materials science

Data analysis

Teamwork

English communication

Attention to detail

Sustainability interest

Education

Undergraduate degree (Aerospace/Mechanical/Materials)

Job description

The internship will support the sustainability team within technology at GKN's Global Technology Centre in Bristol. This team exists to support GKN's vision to be the most trusted and sustainable partner in the sky. In particular, the intern role will support the technology team to analyse and understand current manufacturing processes within the business, and then support the development and implementation of technology to improve our sustainability through reduced energy usage, reduced material usage, reduced waste etc. You will be involved in at least one of the following:

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of sustainability projects aimed at improving energy efficiency and resource efficiency.
• Conduct research and analysis on new technologies and practices that can enhance our sustainability efforts.
• Support the team in tracking and reporting on the progress of sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate with various departments to integrate energy and resource efficiency practices into their operations.
• Assist in the execution of test plans and support the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) process.
• Participate in meetings and contribute ideas to drive continuous improvement in sustainability.
• Support project management systems (eg support updates of project plans).
• We have an opportunity available for aspiring engineers to join our Sustainability team on a year-long placement for academic year 26/27. The expected start date is the middle of August/September 2027.

Candidate Profile

Knowledge and Education

• Must be studying an undergraduate degree in Aerospace engineering, Mechanical engineering, or Material Science.
• An enthusiasm for sustainability linked with an interest in aerospace or space science

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

• Experience with data analysis, managing collation of data and looking for trends.
• Practical hands on manufacturing experience.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a diverse team
• Good written and verbal communication skills in English, coupled with good IT skills.

About GKN Aerospace

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.

Job Segment

Job Segment: Sustainability, R&D Engineer, Civil Engineer, Materials Science, Energy, Engineering, Science

Benefits

• 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.

Diversity and Inclusion

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.

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.