GE Aerospace Mechanical Engineering (Systems) – 12 Month Placement

We have different types of roles in this area; here is a brief snapshot into each: 

Mechanical Design & Analysis (Cheltenham) - This hardware placement sits within the mechanical design area and combines both mechanical design and analysis work, typically across several projects or 1–2 larger programmes. You will gain hands-on experience with CAD and associated design tools, as well as structural and thermal analysis tools, while supporting activities such as production support, fault finding, root cause investigation, and implementing permanent corrective actions. Depending on project maturity, you may be involved in early concept and design development or in validation and verification as products transition into production. The types of products you could work on include power distribution units, controllers, and display systems, providing broad exposure to the hardware product lifecycle. 

Mechanical Engineering (Bristol) - contributing to the design, analysis, and testing of mechanical systems and components in an industrial environment. This role is aimed at candidates with a strong interest in mechanical design, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, and materials science, who want to apply their engineering knowledge in practice. Key responsibilities include assisting with the design and development of mechanical systems, using computational tools such as ANSYS, SolidWorks, and MATLAB to analyse performance, and supporting testing and validation by helping to set up experiments and interpret test data. You will also contribute to research and development activities, exploring new technologies and materials for mechanical applications. 

MTO Engineering - Robotic Automation Team (Bristol) - developing robotic and automated mechanical systems that improve inspection and repair within GE Aerospace’s MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) network. As a Mechanical Engineering (Systems) Placement Student, you would join a multi-disciplinary Robotic Automation team, working across the full development lifecycle: defining problems and capturing requirements with project teams and customers, researching and integrating commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions, collecting and processing data, and contributing to the design, rapid prototyping, testing, and industrialization of new inspection and repair systems. Key responsibilities include helping to define and develop automated/robotic processes, designing and testing in-house prototype solutions, and producing technical documentation such as specifications, installation procedures, and system configurations. The role is aimed at someone enthusiastic about innovative solutions that combine mechanical design, automation, robotics, and software integration. 

You will be guided by structured goals and objectives and will have responsibility to deliver on inspiring projects supported by your People Leader and team around you. We will guide you throughout the year to ensure you make the best of your GE Aerospace experience. Your People Leader will offer coaching and mentoring, and you will be provided with the opportunity to connect with other placement students across the UK. 

This opportunity is offered in our Bristol (Bristol Robotic Services) and Cheltenham sites, during the process we will ask you to share your location preferences. 

GE Aerospace, Bristol Robotic Services (BRS) is a small tightknit office located in Bristol, South West England. We are a team of ~50 talented, dedicated and hardworking employees who collaborate to solve very interesting challenges in the aerospace industry. Every day at BRS is unique; you will be presented with exciting technical problems to solve and be given the space to innovate bespoke solutions. Given the small size of the company, it is very clear to see the impact your work makes, so if you are someone who grabs opportunity with both hands, you will find your time here very rewarding.  

We are looking for high-energy, self-motivated individuals with the vision to help carry our business forward.  The work is academically rigorous, intellectually demanding, and requires exceptional problem-solving, communication, leadership and interpersonal skills. That being said, we are a very collaborative bunch so we don’t need you to be an expert in everything, we have experts here who will mentor and coach you into developing the skills you need. 

 
Our offices are in Bristol in the South West of England – an area fast becoming a major centre for robotics. The South West is a beautiful place to live, with good infrastructure, great universities and fabulous beaches not far away from the city of Bristol. Our offices are located a few minutes’ walk from Filton Abbey Wood Station and on a regular bus route.   

With over 1,700 employees, GE Aerospace based in Cheltenham is one of the largest sites outside the USA and a major contributor to the local economy. 

Our heritage dates back to 1940 yet our technology is cutting-edge. Located in the heart of Gloucestershire, the Power Distribution & Controls (PD&C) site focuses on the design, development and manufacture of state-of-the-art aircraft power distribution and avionics systems for the global aviation industry. Our customers include all major aerospace manufacturers - covering commercial, business jet and military applications. The scale and complexity of engineering projects offer our employees unique opportunities to work on major international projects, developing critical aircraft systems that will be relied on by many people for decades to come. 

At GE Aerospace we strive to be an employer of choice by offering internships, apprenticeships, mentoring and staff development programmes that create a workplace where everyone can be themselves and achieve their full potential. 

Innovation, a commitment to engineering excellence and leadership development places GE Aerospace based in Cheltenham as a pioneering force in building the future of flight.  

If you are passionate about Mechanical Engineering, we would like to hear from you. 

This placement role is an intended pipeline to our Edison Engineering Development Programme (EEDP) based in Cheltenham. Towards the end of the placement year, we will open graduate applications for our current placement students with an aim to secure a role prior to the end of their placement year.  

Meaning, you can head back into your final year at university with a graduate job offer in hand. All you need to do is secure a 2,1 degree or above!  

If you love technology and desire a career in Engineering, EEDP is for you.  

Edison Engineers understand and apply engineering fundamentals in the business environment and design, analyse, and test the technology that continues to innovate how the world flies sustainably. Find out more here https://invent.ge/eedp. 

Qualifications/Requirements 

• Currently studying an Aerospace, Mechanical Design/ Mechanical Analysis / Mechanical Engineering or General Engineering related Bachelor’s or integrated Master’s degree 

• On course to achieve a 2:1 degree or above 

• To be in your penultimate year of study and returning to education post placement 

Desired Characteristics 

• Able to roll up your sleeves and get involved in projects 

• Organised & able to work towards deadlines 

• Inspired and curious to learn 

• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

• Able to take ownership for projects 

• Analytical and problem-solving skills 

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 

• Able to work as part of a team 

A placement at GE Aerospace is an opportunity to learn while doing. At GE Aerospace, you’ll work with business leaders in an atmosphere that will develop you, while doing work that makes an immediate impact.  

Total Reward  

At GE Aerospace we understand the importance of Total Reward. Our flexible benefits plan, called FlexChoice, gives you freedom, choice, and flexibility in the way you receive your benefits, as well as giving you the opportunity to make savings where possible.     

As a new joiner to GE, we are pleased to be able to offer you the following as default in your benefit fund, which you then can tailor to meet your individual needs.    

• Non-contributory Pension               

• Life Assurance    

• Group income protection                 

• Private medical cover         

• Holiday Hourly equivalent to 26 days, with flexible options to buy or sell    

Recruitment Process  

As part of our recruitment process, you will be required to submit an initial CV application. After this, the stages include a video interview, testing and MS Teams online interview. Our recruitment team will be in touch with you at every stage to keep you updated and understand what is next in the process. 

If you require any adjustments to the process to enable you to be at your best, please email the team via UKEarly.Careers@geaerospace.com.  

Please note our applications will close on Saturday 31st October but may close earlier dependant on application volumes. We would encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  

Please only submit one application. If you submit multiple applications, we will progress the most suitable one. If in future you are deemed to be suitable for other opportunities, we will automatically consider you for these too. 

Security Clearance 

Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance is required and must be maintained for this role. Please note that in the event that BPSS clearance cannot be obtained, you may not be eligible for the role and/or any offer of employment may be withdrawn on grounds of national security. Please see the link below for further details regarding the requirements for BPSS clearance: BPSS. 

Right to Work  

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, under the applicable UK immigration rules as may be in place from time to time, it may be that candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be appointed to a post if a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled candidate who does not require sponsorship is available to take up the post.