Mechanical Engineering (Systems) Placement Uk Visa Sponsorship
Job Description
Company: GE Aerospace
Location: Bristol and Cheltenham, UK
Placement Duration: 12 months
Working Area: Mechanical Engineering, Systems, Design, Analysis and Robotics
About the Placement
The 12-month Mechanical Engineering (Systems) Placement at GE Aerospace offers students the chance to experience how engineering concepts are transformed into real aerospace products.
During the placement, you will be involved in different stages of the engineering lifecycle, from understanding technical requirements and developing concepts through design, analysis and testing. Depending on your team and project, you may also contribute to products that eventually enter manufacturing and accumulate operational flight hours.
This is a practical opportunity for students who want to apply their university knowledge to challenging engineering projects while developing professional skills in a highly collaborative aerospace environment.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace develops and manufactures technologies used across the aviation industry, including advanced engines, aircraft components and integrated systems.
The company brings together engineers, designers, technicians and other specialists to solve complex technical problems and develop technologies for the future of flight.
As a placement student, you will work alongside experienced professionals and have opportunities to contribute ideas, learn new engineering methods and understand how large-scale aerospace programmes operate.
What You Could Work On
The exact responsibilities will depend on your placement team and location. Potential areas include:
Mechanical Design and Analysis – Cheltenham
This position combines mechanical design with engineering analysis and provides exposure to several projects or larger aerospace programmes.
You could use CAD and engineering analysis software while supporting activities such as:
– Developing and improving mechanical designs
– Performing structural and thermal analysis
– Investigating technical faults
– Supporting root-cause investigations
– Helping resolve manufacturing or production issues
– Developing long-term corrective solutions
– Supporting verification and validation activities
– Contributing to early-stage concepts and product development
Projects may involve hardware such as power distribution equipment, controllers and aircraft display systems.
Mechanical Engineering – Bristol
The Bristol opportunity focuses on the design, analysis and testing of mechanical systems and components.
You may apply knowledge from areas such as mechanical design, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and materials engineering to practical projects.
Potential activities include:
– Supporting mechanical system and component development
– Carrying out engineering calculations and analysis
– Using tools such as ANSYS, SolidWorks and MATLAB
– Helping prepare and conduct engineering tests
– Reviewing and interpreting test results
– Supporting research and development programmes
– Investigating new materials and technologies
Robotic Automation – Bristol
The Bristol Robotic Services team works on robotic and automated solutions designed to improve inspection and repair activities within GE Aerospace’s maintenance, repair and overhaul operations.
As part of this multidisciplinary team, you could contribute throughout the development process, including:
– Understanding engineering problems and customer requirements
– Researching commercially available technologies
– Collecting and analysing technical data
– Developing mechanical concepts
– Building rapid prototypes
– Testing prototype systems
– Supporting automation and robotics projects
– Helping move successful concepts towards industrial use
– Preparing technical specifications and documentation
– Developing installation procedures and system configurations
– Supporting integration between mechanical hardware, automation and software
This area would suit someone interested in the combination of mechanical engineering, robotics, automation and innovative technology.
Your Development During the Year
You will receive structured objectives and ongoing support throughout your placement. Your manager and wider engineering team will provide guidance, feedback and mentoring as you develop your technical and professional capabilities.
You will also have opportunities to interact with other placement students across GE Aerospace in the UK, allowing you to build your professional network and learn from colleagues working in different areas of the business.
You are not expected to know everything from day one. The teams include experienced specialists who can help you develop the knowledge and practical skills required to succeed.
Work Locations
The placement is available at GE Aerospace locations in Bristol and Cheltenham. Candidates will be asked about their preferred location during the recruitment process.
Bristol
GE Aerospace’s Bristol Robotic Services operation is a relatively small, collaborative engineering environment with around 50 employees. The team works on challenging aerospace problems and develops innovative robotic and automated solutions.
Because of the team’s size, placement students can have meaningful involvement in projects and see how their contributions influence the final outcome.
The Bristol office is situated in South West England, close to Filton Abbey Wood Station and local bus services. Bristol also offers access to universities, transport links and coastal areas across the wider South West.
Cheltenham
The Cheltenham operation has more than 1,700 employees and represents one of GE Aerospace’s significant sites outside the United States.
The site has a long engineering heritage dating back to 1940 and specialises in the design, development and manufacture of aircraft power distribution and avionics systems.
Its work supports commercial aviation, business aircraft and military applications, giving engineers the opportunity to contribute to complex international aerospace programmes.
Future Graduate Opportunities
This placement is designed to provide a potential pathway into GE Aerospace’s Edison Engineering Development Programme (EEDP) in Cheltenham.
Near the end of the placement year, eligible placement students will be invited to apply for relevant graduate positions. The aim is to allow successful candidates to secure a graduate role before returning to university for their final year.
Students who successfully complete the placement and achieve a 2:1 degree or higher may therefore have the opportunity to return to university with a graduate position already secured.
The EEDP programme provides graduate engineers with opportunities to apply engineering fundamentals to real business challenges while designing, analysing and testing technologies used in aviation.
Candidate Requirements
To be considered for this placement, you should:
– Currently be studying for a Bachelor’s or integrated Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Analysis, General Engineering or a closely related subject.
– Be working towards achieving a 2:1 degree or above.
– Be in the penultimate year of your degree.
– Be able to return to university after completing the placement year.
Skills and Personal Qualities
GE Aerospace is looking for students who are enthusiastic about engineering and willing to take responsibility for their work.
The successful candidate is likely to demonstrate:
– A practical, hands-on approach to solving problems
– Strong analytical and logical thinking
– Good organisation and time-management skills
– The ability to meet project deadlines
– Curiosity and enthusiasm for learning
– Effective written and verbal communication
– Confidence taking ownership of assigned tasks
– The ability to collaborate successfully with colleagues
– Competence with Microsoft Office applications
– A willingness to contribute ideas and become involved in projects
You do not need to be an expert in every area. The ability to learn, ask questions and work constructively with others is highly valued.
Employee Benefits
GE Aerospace provides a flexible benefits package designed to give employees choice over their benefits.
The standard package includes:
– Non-contributory pension
– Life assurance
– Group income protection
– Private medical cover
– Holiday allowance equivalent to 26 days, with flexible options to buy or sell holiday
Recruitment Process
Applicants will initially be asked to submit a CV. Candidates who progress through the process may then complete several further stages, which can include:
1. Video interview
2. Online assessment or testing
3. Microsoft Teams interview
The recruitment team will provide updates and explain the next steps throughout the process.
If you require reasonable adjustments during recruitment, you can contact the early careers recruitment team at UKEarly.Careers@geaerospace.com.
Applications are scheduled to close on 31 October, although the vacancy may close earlier if a high number of applications is received. Early applications are therefore recommended.
Candidates should submit only one application. If you apply for multiple opportunities, GE Aerospace may progress the application that best matches your qualifications and experience. You may also be considered automatically for other suitable positions.
Security Clearance
The successful candidate must obtain and maintain Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance.
Failure to obtain the required clearance may mean that an applicant cannot be appointed or that an employment offer may subsequently be withdrawn where permitted on national security grounds.
Right to Work in the UK
Candidates who require UK work sponsorship are welcome to apply and will be considered alongside other applicants.
However, GE Aerospace states that sponsorship is not available for its Early Careers opportunities. Because these placement positions are intended to provide a pathway into future graduate employment, applicants must have the permanent right to work in the UK to be eligible.
Applicants should review the latest UK immigration requirements before applying.
Why Join GE Aerospace?
A placement with GE Aerospace is an opportunity to gain practical engineering experience while working on technology connected to the aviation industry.
You will be exposed to real engineering challenges, work with experienced professionals and develop skills that can support your future career.
Whether your interests lie in mechanical design, engineering analysis, testing, robotics, automation or aerospace systems, this placement can provide valuable experience across the product development lifecycle.
If you are studying mechanical or aerospace engineering and want to put your academic knowledge into practice, GE Aerospace offers an opportunity to learn, contribute and prepare for a career in engineering.
