Technology Intern - Sustainability Placement 2027

GKN Aerospace; West of England; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary £24,500

Signing bonus £500

Hybrid working

International exposure

25 days holiday

Pension scheme 1.5x

Job summary

GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre in Bristol invites undergraduates in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Materials Science for a 12-month Year in Industry placement. Start date August/September 2027.

You will join the Sustainability team at GKN's Bristol GTC to work on real projects and gain hands-on experience in aerospace sustainability initiatives. The role involves analysing current manufacturing processes, developing and implementing energy and resource efficiency improvements, and supporting

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Assist in development and implementation of sustainability projects aimed at energy and resource efficiency.
• Conduct research on new technologies and practices to enhance sustainability.
• Support tracking and reporting on progress of sustainability initiatives.
• Collaborate with departments to integrate energy and resource efficiency in operations.
• Assist in execution of test plans and TRL process.
• Participate in meetings and contribute ideas for continuous sustainability improvements.
• Support updates of project plans in management systems.

Skills

Team collaboration

English communication

Willingness to learn

Data analysis

Education

Undergraduate degree in Aerospace engineering

Undergraduate degree in Mechanical engineering

Undergraduate degree in Material Science

Tools

MS Excel

Project management software

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

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:

• 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).

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 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.

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 Sustainability 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. Its 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.