Technology Intern - Machining

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

Placements in the GKN Subtractive Machining Technology team are available for enthusiastic candidates seeking to develop knowledge and skill in developing new metallic manufacturing processes for the next generation of aircraft.

We work closely with production sites to improve the technology we use today and to develop machining technology for tomorrow.

As a team we have on-site access to full 5 axis machining centre and an advanced metallic testing facility. Through our extensive partnership network we have access to further machining centres at universities, our catapult partners and extensive industrial ecosystem.

Typically you’ll spend around 20-40% of your time hands on with manufacturing or laboratory equipment.

Our internship will offer the opportunity to be involved with at least one of the following:-

• Machining and finishing of samples using a state of the art instrumented 5 axis CNC machine at the GTC.
• Testing and development of machining technologies, either within the GTC or onsite in our production facilities.
• Creation of NC code for machining of components.
• Simulation of machining programs.
• Exposure to current machining centres in our current production facilities within GKN.

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 Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering or another related engineering discipline.

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

• Hands on machining experience in milling or turning
• Knowledge of material science
• An understanding of aerospace manufacturing processes

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 Subtractive Machining 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.

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

What To Expect in The Selection Process

Through this process we try to utilise humans in the process as much as we can. Here's 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 you've 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.