Hydrogen Systems Internship Systems & Control

GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre in Bristol is the companys 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 recruiting a number of Year in Industry internship opportunities at our Bristol GTC.

As a Year in Industry student youll have the opportunity to work on real projects that contribute to the future of aerospace. Youll 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

The internship will support the Hydrogen Systems team working on flagship programmes H2FlyGHT and ICEFlight which develop electrical and cryogenic power distribution technologies for zero-emissions flight. We are seeking talented candidates who want to gain exposure to the development of next generation aircraft.

Main Activities and Responsibilities:
Systems Engineering framework deployment.
Requirements development & management.
Create technical documentation test reports and engineering data analysis helping us move to a more MBSE style knowledge management.
Connect and integrate between multidisciplinary engineering teams.
Create and run simulation models within virtual environment(s).
Developing and testing control strategies using model-based design.
Deploy software and test within a real-time computing environment.
Operate low-power Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test rig representing an electric aircraft.
Fault find and solve problems with control and software issues.

If youre working towards a degree in Aerospace Mechanical Control Electrical/Electronic Automation Engineering or a related field this is your chance to contribute to a future of zero-emission flight.

What we are looking for:

Essential
Studying towards a relevant degree which includes substantial Controls and/or Systems Engineering modules.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Experience with MATLAB/Simulink Python or similar engineering tools.
Good communication and teamwork skills.
Motivated and organised.

Desirable
Good understanding of control theory & its practical implementation.
Awareness of system thinking & systems engineering fundamentals.
Ability to interpret technical drawings and schematics.
Knowledge of requirements engineering and V model.
Awareness of Hardware-in-the-Loop testing and system integration.
Knowledge of HDL programming and experience with FPGA development.
Knowledge of sensor integration and communication protocols.
A keen interest in Aerospace.

We have an opportunity available for aspiring engineers to join our Hydrogen Systems team on a 12-month industrial placement for academic year 27/28. The expected start date is the end of August 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 youre a self-starter looking for a varied and challenging placement we want to hear from you!

Heres what to look forward to when you join us:
Starting salary of 24500 plus a 500 starting bonus
Be part of a broad Year in Industry intern community
Work alongside world leading Technical Authorities and Fellows
Work at GKNs flagship Global Technology Centre in Bristol
Flexible working hours including the ability to finish early on Fridays
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Opportunity to balance theoretical learning with practical hands-on delivery
An industry leading pension scheme 1.5x employee contribution (max 12%)
Collaborative dynamic working environment

Kick-start your career in aerospace and become part of GKNs team. Apply now!

Throughout this process we try to utilise human interaction as much as we can. Heres what to expect:

1. Apply online by completing our application form (closing date is Sunday the 29th of November).
2. Successful candidates will be invited to take part in an online behavioural assessment. You will have 2 weeks to complete the assessment.
3. Dependent on number of applications we may ask you to complete a video submission with pre-provided questions .
4. Shortlisted candidates with be invited to an Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol on Tuesday the 9th of February 2027. This is where you will get the chance to meet the team and showcase your skills and potential.
5. For successful candidates your journey with us will commence late August 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.