Worker Type
Supplemental
Summer Internship Program
Our paid Summer Internship Program is designed to provide students with an immersive, hands-on experience within the aerospace and defense industry. Interns work alongside AV team members on meaningful projects involving cutting-edge technology while developing professional relationships, strategic problem-solving skills, and practical experience in a full-time work environment.
This is a 12-week, onsite program intended for highly motivated and passionate students who are currently enrolled in college or are recent graduates. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, with a preference for students at the junior level or above.
Our program has been recognized by Yello and WayUp as one of the Top 100 Internship Programs in the United States for multiple years.
Depending on the team and location, students who are willing to relocate for their internship may be eligible for a relocation and housing reimbursement stipend.
AV offers internship opportunities across various teams and locations throughout the United States. Specific team, location, and program details will be discussed during the interview process.
Summary
As a Product Engineering Intern at AV, you will support engineering teams in the design, development, testing, and launch of innovative products and systems. Working closely with project engineers, technical leads, and project managers, you'll gain hands-on experience across the product lifecycle—from concept and prototype to integration, troubleshooting, and verification. This internship provides an opportunity to learn best practices in systems engineering, project coordination, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in improving product development processes by applying lessons learned and best practices such as modeling and simulation, design reviews, DFMEA, and lean product development methods.
- Support cross-discipline teams through meetings, documentation, and progress tracking to help ensure projects are completed on schedule.
- Participate in subsystem design, characterization, and performance evaluations under guidance of senior engineers.
- Assist in prototype builds and work with suppliers, contractors, and third-party engineering service providers.
- Help track and manage engineering tasks, schedules, and issues using established project management tools.
- Participate in design and technical review meetings to observe decision-making and problem-solving processes.
- Support documentation development, data collection, and test result analysis.
- Learn and help implement tools and templates that promote project engineering excellence.
- Apply company policies and standard procedures while developing professional engineering skills.
- Perform other duties and engineering support tasks as assigned by mentors or supervisors.
Basic Qualifications
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Systems Engineering, or a related field.
- Strong academic foundation in engineering fundamentals, physics, and mathematics.
- Interest in the product development lifecycle—from concept through production.
- Basic understanding of design principles, testing methods, and project coordination.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and familiar with data or project management tools.
- Excellent communication, organization, and team collaboration skills.
- Demonstrated eagerness to learn and take initiative in a technical environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Exposure to systems engineering or configuration management concepts.
- Familiarity with CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) or simulation software.
- Understanding of Lean or Six Sigma principles.
- Interest in aerospace or defense product development environments.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Learning Objectives
During this internship, you will:
- Learn how cross-functional engineering teams coordinate and execute projects.
- Gain exposure to the tools and methods used in product design, testing, and verification.
- Develop an understanding of how technical requirements translate into product performance.
- Build communication, collaboration, and project management skills in a professional engineering setting.
- Contribute to real-world projects that support AV's mission of innovation and excellence.
Physical Demands
- Ability to work in both office and light manufacturing environments.
- May be required to sit or stand for extended periods and use hands to operate a computer or lab equipment.
Clearance Level
No Clearance
ITAR Requirement
This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.
U.S. Citizenship required
Benefits
AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.
We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.
Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.
About AV
AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.
We don't just build defense technology—we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.
Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we're not building history, we're building what's next.
If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there's no better place to do it than AV.
We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.
