Technology Intern Composites

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 hiring for several years 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 GTC Composites Technology Intern will support the development validation and implementation of composite manufacturing and assembly technologies across a range of ongoing programmes (such as the Aspire programme). This includes supporting technology activities related to wing tips spars and bonded structural assemblies.

The role will also include supporting the wider composites engineering team through documentation management development of manufacturing Instruction Sheets (MIS) data handling and coordination of technical manufacturing inputs.

This is a hands-on learning role intended to provide exposure to real engineering challenges cross-functional collaboration and structured professional development. You will conduct hands on activities such as RTM tool preparation and creating and enacting test plans.

• Assist with developing testing and evaluating composite manufacturing processes.
• Support material trials process validation and data collection.
• Maintain and release technical documents and reports.
• Develop MIS tools dashboards and project trackers.
• Support document control and configuration management.
• Assist with engineering tasks technical analysis and prototype builds.
• Work with design manufacturing quality and supply chain teams.
• Contribute to problem-solving and continuous improvement activities.

This internship offers hands-on experience in state of the art composite technologies used in advanced aerospace structures across multiple platforms and customers.

The intern will gain exposure to industry practices in manufacturing materials engineering design support process development and configuration/document control.

There is key involvement in meaningful technical work and contribution to active development projects within the GTC as well as potential exposure to GKNs production facilities and leadership team.

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 were looking for candidates who have the following skills experiences or education:

Knowledge and Education
Must be studying towards an undergraduate degree in any Aerospace Engineering Mechanical Engineering Materials Science Composites Engineering or related discipline.
Basic knowledge of composite materials and manufacturing processes (e.g. prepreg layup resin systems cure cycles bonding).
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
Competency in data analysis and handling (Excel database tools or Power BI advantageous).

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
CAD familiarity desirable (e.g. CATIA NX SolidWorks) but not essential.
Project experience in composites/manufacturing.

We have an opportunity available for aspiring engineers to join our Advance Composite Processing Methods 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 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:
A starting salary of 24500 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 GKNs team. Apply now!

Through this process we try to utilise humans in the process as much as we can. Heres 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 youve 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.