Summer 2026 Product Engineering Intern

Worker Type

Job Description
 

As a Product Engineering Intern at AV, you will have the opportunity to work alongside and be mentored by a talented group of engineers. You will support engineering activities related to UAV systems for military and commercial applications. This internship involves assisting with design modifications of structural components, electro-mechanical assemblies, payloads, ground equipment, launching systems, flight control actuators, prototype hardware development, performing design verification testing, and configuration management of products. Additional responsibilities include helping develop and maintain manufacturing drawings and bills of materials using industry drafting standards, supporting design reviews, assisting project managers with planning and scheduling engineering work, and supporting manufacturing and suppliers in the production of mechanical components and assemblies.

Position Responsibilities

• Provide sustaining engineering support related to a product line
• Assist with product line configuration and change orders in the Agile PLM system
• Serve as a technical support point for ongoing engineering tasks and change initiation
• Support proposal and report writing, and review of contracts for production orders
• Help coordinate the transition of new products and product variants into production
• Assist with the release and update of engineering design documentation, operator manuals, bills of materials, manufacturing procedures, product acceptance test procedures, and production tooling and test equipment
• Support the development, testing, and release of product improvements and variants in cooperation with product line managers, design engineers, and project managers
• Learn and apply professional engineering concepts while building collaborative working relationships internally
• Perform other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student in an Engineering major
• Prior experience (0-2 years preferred) or coursework in an engineering design environment, including support of products in production
• Familiarity or interest in Agile PLM data management system and product configuration management standards (MIL-HDBK-61A, EIA-649-B) is a plus
• Experience or interest in unmanned air vehicles, RF, digital and communications electronics design, electronics manufacturing troubleshooting, PCB layout, schematics and assembly is desirable
• Experience with design/drafting/CAD (Altium) and ASME Y14 drawing standards a plus

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

• Exposure or interest in Lean Six Sigma methodologies preferred
• Basic understanding of structural dynamics, configuration management principles, product design, and manufacturing processes
• Foundational knowledge in engineering fundamentals, including mathematics, physics, material properties, electronics, systems, and software
• Willingness to learn production assembly requirements and documentation for production floor use
• Ability to collaborate across technical disciplines and organizational functions such as program management, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, suppliers, and customers
• Proficiency with office software and computer-based productivity tools
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment where team members share diverse responsibilities
• Demonstrates strong initiative, ownership, and responsibility for assigned tasks
• Commitment to learning, improving performance, and supporting team success
• Effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Strong teamwork and collaboration mindset

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments (constant)
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent)

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.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems.  Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

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