Summer 2026 Embedded Cybersecurity Intern

Worker Type

Supplemental

Job Description
 

Summary:

We are seeking an Embedded Cybersecurity Engineering Intern with a strong interest in embedded systems and product security. This internship is a hands-on opportunity to gain experience in cybersecurity for embedded devices within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment. The ideal candidate is curious, detail-oriented, and eager to learn about securing hardware and software systems from concept through production.

As an intern, you will work closely with experienced engineers and developers to support security initiatives throughout the product lifecycle, helping ensure our products comply with industry standards and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist R&D teams in understanding and applying cybersecurity principles to embedded system design.

• Support the implementation of security controls in hardware and software with guidance from engineering mentors.

• Help evaluate hardware and software components for potential security vulnerabilities.

• Participate in cross-functional meetings with engineering teams, including Electrical, Hardware, Software, and Manufacturing.

• Contribute to documenting cybersecurity risks, mitigations, and best practices.

• Aid in research and implementation of new tools or techniques to improve security posture.

• Assist with security testing and basic vulnerability assessments under supervision.

• Support the preparation of security documentation and deliverables for internal and external stakeholders.

• Stay up-to-date on cybersecurity trends, standards (e.g., NIST), and common vulnerabilities in embedded systems.

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the cybersecurity or engineering team.

Basic Qualifications:

• Actively pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field.

• Familiarity with basic cybersecurity concepts and terminology (e.g., encryption, authentication, risk).

• Coursework or project experience with embedded systems, hardware, or software development is a plus.

• Strong interest in cybersecurity for hardware and embedded systems.

Preferred Skills & Competencies:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Exposure to security tools or certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+, CEH) is a plus.

• Interest in areas such as embedded software, microcontrollers, cryptography, or network security.

Additional Information:

• U.S. Citizenship, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card), or protected status (asylee/refugee) required.

• Ability to work on-site as needed and potentially travel within the U.S.

• Must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Government security clearance (DoD Secret).

Physical & Environmental Requirements:

• Ability to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods.

• Occasional exposure to lab or production environments may be required.

• Work is primarily conducted in an office or lab setting.

Clearance Level
 

Clearance Level

The salary range for this role is:

$0 - $0

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

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.

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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.