YEAR-IN INDUSTRY ENGINEERING PLACEMENT

Ready to put your engineering studies into practice?

Join our growing Engineering team in Hucknall, UK, for a 12-month Year in Industry placement and gain hands-on experience working on aerospace projects.

Opportunities are available across:

• Manufacturing Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering – Special Processes
• Design Engineering
• Combustion R&T Design Engineering

These placements will help you develop your skills, learn from experienced colleagues and gain valuable insight into engineering within the aerospace industry, but it isn’t just about what you’ll learn from us, we want to learn from you too. You’ll bring fresh ideas and perspectives, contribute to real engineering challenges and become a valued part of the team throughout your placement.

We will ask you to indicate your preferred engineering area when you apply but we will consider your preference alongside your skills, experience and our business requirements when making final placement decisions.

Explore the roles below to find out where your Year in Industry could take you.

Manufacturing Engineering – Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Methods of Manufacture and technical packages for shop floor use, including instructions, stage drawings, and routers.
• Apply Build in Quality tools (e.g. Process Maps, PFMEAs, Control Plans) and use data analysis software to monitor and improve process capability.
• Plan and manage engineering projects aligned with UK-Spec competencies, resolving technical issues and collaborating across design, quality, manufacturing, and purchasing teams.
• Support production flow and drive continuous improvement to reduce concessions, rework, and costs.
• Contribute to the development of new manufacturing processes using emerging technologies.

Manufacturing Engineering – Special Processes Key Responsibilities

• Control and develop the special processes required to support manufacture of components within ITP Aero UK
• Ensure that engineering specifications are satisfied for new part introduction and ongoing manufacture.
• Provide technical support on all material and special processes, ensuring the site is NADCAP compliant, accredited in the required timescales and maintains any existing approvals.
• Ensure process compliance to National and International Standards through both the generation of shop floor instructions and the participation in audit procedures
• Help deliver process data cards and procedures, process or stage drawings and Methods of Manufacture both for domestically manufactured parts and for parts manufactured in the external supply network.                     
• Help maintain operator training and qualification requirements for special processes.
• Support the selection, justification, acquisition and commissioning of new processing equipment.

Design Engineering – Key Responsibilities

• Design jet engine components that meet functional, physical, and manufacturing requirements, following the full lifecycle from concept to in-service support.
• Deliver high-quality components on time, working within Integrated Project Teams and in line with ITP Aero UK policies.
• Understand customer needs and develop robust, cost-effective design solutions that consider safety, maintainability, and repair.
• Support the Zero Defects journey by integrating manufacturing and measurement capabilities into design, applying lean principles and improving design tools and methods.
• Create compliant technical documentation, compile Bills of Materials (BOMs), and support configuration processes.
• Use CAD software (ideally Siemens NX and Team centre); training will be provided.

Combustion R&T Engineering – Key Responsibilities

• Support the development of ITP Aero’s growing Combustor Design and Technology capability.
• Contribute to the design and manufacture of aerospace combustion systems for conventional fuels, SAF and future hydrogen technologies.
• Work with colleagues across the UK and Spain to develop innovative combustion technologies within a Research & Technology (R&T) environment.
• Use CAD Design and gain exposure to Additive Manufacturing.
• Get involved in practical, hands-on engineering activities, including testing.
• Work with different engineering teams, including Manufacturing, Stress and Aerothermal.
• Bring curiosity, adaptability and a willingness to learn in a fast-moving R&T environment.

The aviation industry is living a new dawn as it moves towards a greener future and zero carbon propulsion: being part of it by designing the jet engines of the future is very exciting! 

Uplift: A key requirement of the placement programme is to be a STEM Ambassador and support Uplift, our STEM outreach initiative. You will have the opportunity to inspire future talent, build your communication and leadership skills, and get involved in activities such as coding camps, STEM workshops, and school and community events.

What profile are we looking for?

Essential criteria

• Working towards a minimum of a HNC in Aerospace / General / Materials / Mechanical / Manufacturing Engineering.
• Has good communications skills and the ability to influence at all levels of the organisation.

Desirable criteria

• A background in aerospace engineering is not essential.
• Sound understanding of problem-solving techniques such as DMAIC principles.
• An ability to apply logical, analytical and innovative thinking on a range of technical problems and make balanced decisions across technical and business parameters is a prerequisite
• Strong technical knowledge in mechanical design methodologies and, ideally, understands cross discipline engineering concepts which may include but are not limited to thermal and mechanical analysis, manufacturing engineering, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, cost engineering and product definition.
• Ability to effectively plan engineering tasks that are part of complex projects involving several departments.

Who will I work with (in my team and in collaboration with other areas)?

You will work at ITP Aero from its site in Hucknall, Nottinghamshire under the guidance of professionals with extensive experience in the sector in a leading company in aeronautical engines and components that ranks among the top companies in the global aeronautical industry.

You will work closely with other enthusiastic engineers along with the various support functions on site including METS (Manufacturing Engineering Technical Support), SPG (Special Process Group), Planning & Control Team, Supply Chain, Operations, and the Design team.

Testimonials from current placement students

“My time here so far has provided the opportunity to apply engineering knowledge to real manufacturing challenges from day one. Through a supportive and collaborative team environment, I have gained practical experience, developed professionally and strengthened my confidence as an engineer.” Marton – Special Processes Placement

 “During my first few months with the ITP Aero Combustion Design team I have already developed many highly valuable technical and interpersonal skills while working on real world projects. My experience has been fantastic overall, and both the Combustion Design team and the wider organisation have been extremely welcoming and supportive.” James - Combustion R&T Engineering Placement

 “Having the opportunity to contribute to live projects while learning from experienced engineers, helped me grow both technically and professionally. The welcoming and supportive team made it easy to ask questions and gain valuable knowledge within the aerospace industry.”  Liam – Design Engineering placement

 “From day 1 of placement, I felt welcomed and part of the team. Now I've had time to settle, I feel like I'm making valuable contributions to the team and learning how real-life engineering works, something you can’t learn from university alone! ”Josh  - Manufacturing Engineering placement

“I’ve gained hands-on experience I could never have picked up from university alone. The team’s patience and support have made every challenge feel manageable.” Oliver – Stress Engineering Placement

What are the working hours?

Days – 37 hours per week working Monday to Friday core hours 08:00-16:12

What is the location?

Address: ITP Aero UK Ltd, Harrier Business Park, Dorey Way, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire, NG15 6EU

Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/kCU4BAjtGHk7VsiQ9

What are the perks of joining us?

This is a paid placement with a salary of £24,000 for the 12-month period.

You will also enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing

• 25 days annual leave (inclusive of 5 fixed days)*
• 6 Leisure days – Accrued through working an additional hour per week in addition to your contracted hours. *
• ITP Aero Group Personal Pension Scheme – Salary Sacrifice pension contributions increase with length of service to a maximum company contribution of 12% after 3 years of service.
• You will have the option to contribute more to your pension through salary sacrifice Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC’s).
• Hybrid Working (dependant on role)
• Flexible Benefits platform with a range of flexible benefits on offer*
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Gym membership
  • Reward card
  • And much more
• Life Assurance – 6x salary to your nominated beneficiary(s)
• Income Protection - In the event of long-term sickness
• Discount platform
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Enhanced Pay for Maternity and Paternity (in line with statutory service dates)
• Additional Leave for Marriage, Moving House, and Dependant leave.
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to 24/7 GP
• Earn vouchers through healthy living.
• Bonus Scheme applicable to role

*These benefits may be pro-rated due to the role being a fixed term contract and there may be changes to the terms of these.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is Friday 4th December at midnight.

We recommend applying early, as roles may close ahead of the deadline due to high interest.

Next Steps in the Recruitment Process

• Shortlisting & Initial Screening (Dec 2026 / early Jan 2027): Applications will be reviewed based on eligibility and alignment with role requirements.
• Interviews and Assessment (February 2027 – after examinations): Shortlisted candidates will be invited to our Hucknall site for a behavioural interview, technical interview and presentation task relevant to the role.
• Conditional Offers (February 2027): Successful candidates will receive conditional placement offers at this stage. Final offers will only be confirmed once all pre-employment checks have been completed satisfactorily.
• Start date: This placement is scheduled to start in July 2027

Diversity and Inclusion

At ITP Aero UK, we want to inspire a more diverse generation of engineers. We welcome applications from all students and particularly encourage those from groups currently underrepresented in engineering to apply.

We are committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or placement, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

I have questions about the role, who can I contact?

If you need any clarification about the vacancy and/or the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our HR Team via email: ukpeopleteam@itpaero.com