Technology Intern - Composites

Location: Bristol, GB

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.

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 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 GKN’s production facilities and leadership team.

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 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.

What We'll Offer

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 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 work