Worker Type
Supplemental
Job Description
Aeromechanical Engineering Intern
Our Summer Internship Program is meticulously designed to provide students with an immersive and dynamic experience within our industry, offering a taste of what it's like to be part of our professional team. We strive to simulate a full-time job, enabling our interns to work hands-on with cutting-edge technology, contribute to meaningful projects, build strong relationships with coworkers, and develop strategic problem-solving skills. Our program is highly selective, hosting only a handful of interns each year, ensuring personalized attention and ample opportunities to work closely with AV team members.
We are hiring for various roles and locations throughout the US, during the interview process we will be able to discuss specific details regarding team and location.
Summary
As an Aeromechanical Engineering Intern, you will support the development of systems for both military and commercial applications. You will work closely with experienced engineers as part of an Integrated Product Team (IPT), gaining hands-on experience in the design, prototyping, and testing of mechanical systems for aerial platforms.
This internship offers a unique opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to real aerospace engineering challenges — from concept through prototyping — while learning industry best practices in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.
Position Responsibilities
Assist in the design and development of airframe structures and aeromechanical components for UAV systems
Create and modify 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks
Support basic mechanical analysis (kinematics, thermodynamics, stress, etc.) with guidance from senior engineers
Participate in prototype fabrication, 3D printing, and lab testing
Help create and revise engineering drawings, bills of materials, and documentation in compliance with industry standards
Contribute to technical presentations and informal design reviews
Learn about engineering trade-offs, material selection, and integration with multi-disciplinary systems
Support design improvements and troubleshooting efforts on current programs
Perform other duties as assigned to support engineering and development goals
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
Exposure to CAD tools such as SolidWorks for 3D modeling and assembly design
Foundational understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and materials
Interest in air vehicles, robotics, or electromechanical systems
Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
Strong problem-solving and communication skills
Willingness to learn, ask questions, and contribute to team efforts
Preferred Qualifications & Competencies
Experience with SolidWorks EPDM, MATLAB, or Agile PLM systems
Hands-on experience with 3D printing, machining, or composite fabrication through class projects or personal builds
Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards (ASME Y14.5)
Exposure to FEA tools, thermal analysis, or aerodynamic simulation (academic or project-based)
Interest in or experience with UAVs or aerospace vehicle systems
Enthusiastic team player who demonstrates initiative, attention to detail, and accountability
Ability to communicate ideas clearly, both in writing and in presentations
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, iterative development environment
Physical Demands
Ability to work in an office and light manufacturing environment (Constant)
Required to sit, stand, and use a computer and lab equipment for extended periods (Frequent)
May occasionally lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs. during lab or prototyping work (Occasional)
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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their 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
Skills Required
- Currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
- Exposure to CAD tools such as SolidWorks for 3D modeling and assembly design
- Foundational understanding of statics, dynamics, thermodynamics, and materials
- Interest in air vehicles, robotics, or electromechanical systems
- Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
- Strong problem-solving and communication skills
- Willingness to learn, ask questions, and contribute to team efforts
- Experience with SolidWorks EPDM, MATLAB, or Agile PLM systems
- Hands-on experience with 3D printing, machining, or composite fabrication
- Familiarity with GD&T and ASME Y14.5 engineering drawing standards
- Exposure to FEA tools, thermal analysis, or aerodynamic simulation
- Interest in or experience with UAVs or aerospace vehicle systems
- Initiative, attention to detail, accountability, and teamwork
- Ability to communicate ideas clearly in writing and presentations
- Comfort working in a fast-paced, iterative development environment
- Ability to work in an office and light manufacturing environment
- Ability to sit, stand, use computers and lab equipment for extended periods, and occasionally lift up to 10 pounds
- U.S. person status or documentation verifying eligibility under ITAR/EAR requirements
AeroVironment Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about AeroVironment and has not been reviewed or approved by AeroVironment.
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Healthcare Strength — Benefits include multiple medical plan options with HSA pairing and employer contributions, plus company-paid life and disability coverage. Feedback suggests health coverage quality and breadth are consistently seen as strong.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with generous matching and immediate vesting, alongside programs like an ESPP and deferred compensation for eligible employees, signals robust retirement support. Feedback suggests the retirement offering stands out within the total rewards package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Discretionary Time Off for eligible salaried employees, paid sick leave, parental leave supplements, holidays, and a 9/80 schedule provide broad time-off flexibility. Feedback suggests these options enhance work-life balance when team norms support their use.
AeroVironment Insights
What We Do
At AV, we build shoulder-to-shoulder with our customers, delivering systems shaped by real-world missions, not theoretical requirements. Now stronger than ever, we deliver integrated capabilities across every domain of modern warfare—from autonomous systems and loitering munitions to space-based platforms, directed energy, cyber and electronic warfare. We build to win today’s battles and shape tomorrow’s conflicts.
