ME Intern

Date: Jun 26, 2026

Location: El Cajon, CA, US

Company: GKN Aerospace Careers

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 is a global engineering business. Every time you travel by air almost anywhere in the world it is likely that GKN is helping you on your way. We design, manufacture and service systems and components for original equipment manufacturers around the world. We are continuously evolving, pioneering new technologies and reinventing existing ones, stretching ourselves to better in everything we do.

What you’ll do

We are looking for people who want to make a difference, talented members with the skills and passions to become the best of the future in what they do.

The Manufacturing Engineer - Intern will support the development and implementation of automated systems in the manufacturing environment. The role focuses on learning and applying programming skills to improve manufacturing processes. The Manufacturing Engineer - Intern will assist in programming, testing, and optimizing equipment. They are responsible for learning new systems, executing programs effectively and documenting processes by writing clear work instructions that meet engineering standards.

Job Responsibilities

Responsibilities (Manufacturing Engineer - Intern) – Materials & Processes – Robotics & Automation

  • Support the development, testing, and optimization of robotics and automated equipment programs for emerging or non-production processes.
  • Collaborate closely with qualified engineering staff to understand technical requirements and translate them into functional solutions.
  • Learn and apply programming techniques to deliver efficient, reliable automation programs in a timely manner.
  • Assist in troubleshooting, debugging, and improving equipment performance and process efficiency.
  • Develop clear and structured work instructions, which will undergo detailed review by certified engineers.
  • Participate in process validation and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Maintain organized documentation of programming logic, testing results, and process updates.
  • Follow all safety, quality, and aerospace regulatory standards.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

  • Currently pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations and/or program requirements.  

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Basic knowledge or exposure to robotics programming, automation systems, or industrial controls (e.g., PLCs, robotic arms, or similar technologies).
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
  • Attention to detail, especially in technical documentation and instruction writing.
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional engineering teams.
  • Good communication skills and willingness to receive and apply feedback.
  • Experience with programming languages relevant to automation (e.g., robotic specific programming & FANUC/ABB controls).
  • Familiarity with CAD, manufacturing processes, or aerospace environments.

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. ​


Nearest Major Market: San Diego