Overview
GKN Aerospace Global Graduate Programme (Engineering and Technology)
This range is provided by GKN Aerospace. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Direct message the job poster from GKN Aerospace
Talent Acquisition Specialist at GKN Aerospace
Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities.
GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity set 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. 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 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world’s aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.
What You'll Be Doing
Start your career shaping the future of aerospace — in a place where you’ll feel supported, inspired, and encouraged to grow.
At GKN Aerospace, we’re a global community, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to design and build the next generation of aerospace technologies. As a graduate, you’ll join an inclusive and international team, gain hands-on experience, and grow your career in an environment where your ideas are valued, your voice is heard, and your contributions make a real difference.
Our two-year Engineering & Technology Graduate Programme is designed to give you variety, guidance, and the confidence to build a strong foundation for your future career. You’ll rotate across key engineering functions, developing technical expertise while strengthening the collaboration, problem-solving, innovation and leadership skills you’ll need to thrive.
As part of the programme, you will be based at our Luton facility where you will:
* Rotate across Design Engineering for both Ice Protection Systems and Transparency systems, Materials and testing, Industrialisation and take part in research programmes supporting our technology portfolio.
* Have the opportunity to work across the business line, visiting and working with global engineering teams at other UK sites, the Netherlands and the USA.
* Support and deliver real projects – from testing and verification to tackling technical challenges in labs and production environments, working with external partners and delivering research objectives as part of multidisciplinary teams.
* Contribute to cutting-edge technologies that help us achieve our ambitious goals.
* Play an important role in delivering zero-defect projects that strengthen our business and our industry.
From day one, you’ll take part in a structured onboarding and development journey, supported by a mentor, buddy, and our Global Graduate Community, giving you encouragement, guidance, and opportunities to build your network.
Beyond your core role, you’ll also have the chance to contribute to community projects, STEM outreach, and our early careers strategy — because at GKN Aerospace, we believe in making a positive difference together.
What You'll Bring
We’re Looking For Curious, Motivated Graduates Who Want To Make an Impact In Aerospace. To Join Our Programme, You’ll Need
* Enthusiasm, creativity, and passion – with the drive to grow into a future leader and technical expert.
* A 2:1 or higher degree, achieved within the last two years, in a relevant Engineering discipline – for this role we are looking for candidates with degrees such as: Aerospace Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Materials Engineering / Chemistry (Composites, Coatings, Thermoplastics); Manufacturing Engineering; Engineering Design
Candidates with Science based degrees including chemistry and physics are also encouraged to apply.
* A genuine interest in Aerospace and Defence industry – about the role it plays in shaping the future of our world.
What We'll Offer
At the heart of everything we do are our five culture principles: Safe, Respect & Care, Open & Honest, Innovative, and Ownership. Safety always comes first, but so does your growth, wellbeing, and future. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join us:
* A 24-month programme with a guaranteed permanent role when you finish.
* Varied and rewarding placements across different projects, programmes, and locations.
* The chance to work on innovative technologies that inspire change and shape the future of aerospace.
* Opportunities for international exposure and collaboration.
* A structured development journey designed to help you discover your strengths.
* Ongoing support from a dedicated Home Manager, mentor, and buddy throughout your programme.
* A starting salary of £31,000, plus a £1,500 joining bonus and a generous benefits package.
* High visibility across the business — from sites and locations to customers and senior stakeholders.
* Ambassador opportunities to inspire others as a STEM ambassador.
* A welcoming global graduate community — a network of peers, friends, and future leaders.
We’ll support your career progression by providing you with the learning, development, and flexibility to thrive. And because we’re a global business, your career could take you further than you imagined.
Please note: This opportunity is part of GKN Aerospace Defence business. Due to regulatory requirements, some programmes may have nationality restrictions. As part of the application process, you will be asked to provide relevant information to ensure compliance.
What to Expect in the Selection Process
Our application process is designed to be simple and supportive:
* Apply online by completing our application form, including a few pre-screening questions.
* Take part in an online assessment if you meet the initial eligibility criteria.
* Meet one of our friendly team members (yes, a real human!) for a virtual interview if you’re successful at the assessment stage.
* Join us at our Assessment Centre at the Global Technology Centre in Bristol to be held in February, where you’ll get the chance to showcase your skills and potential.
* Begin your journey with us in September 2026, as part of our Graduate Programme.
Further information on our Global Graduate Programme can be found on the FAQs section on our careers website: FAQs - GKN Careers
Closing date: To be confirmed (we recommend submitting your application without delay).
We all make things fly
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. It’s 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.
Seniority level
* Entry level
Employment type
* Full-time
Job function
* Education and Training
* Industries
* Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing
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