Systems Engineering Intern

Worker Type

Supplemental Job Description

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. W e 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 U.S. During the interview process, we will discuss specific details regarding the team and location.

Summary

As a Systems Engineering Intern, you will work alongside experienced systems engineers to support the design, development, and integration of advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their subsystems. This role provides hands-on exposure to requirements development, system architecture, technical documentation, and project planning - while offering real contributions to projects that matter.

What You’ll Do

Assist in reviewing and analyzing customer requirements to understand system impacts

Help develop and document system-level requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and specifications

Support trade studies, cost/schedule estimation, and technical planning efforts

Participate in design reviews and assist with creating materials for presentations

Collaborate with engineers from Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Test disciplines to ensure effective integration

Aid in documenting and tracking system-level issues, risks, and changes

Contribute to test planning and verification/validation efforts

Gain experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and best practices

Perform various engineering support tasks under the mentorship of experienced engineers

Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM field (Systems, Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline)

Strong interest in systems engineering, aerospace, or defense technology

Exposure to technical documentation or systems modeling through coursework or projects

Familiarity with engineering principles including requirements development, design, and integration

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Comfortable working in cross-functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with UAVs, aerospace systems, or robotics

Exposure to systems engineering tools like DOORS, Cameo, or MBSE frameworks

Experience with technical drawings, schematics, or block diagrams

Coursework or experience in project planning, risk management, or design reviews

Interest in defense technologies such as avionics, communications, GPS, or propulsion systems

You Might Be a Good Fit If You...

Are naturally curious and ask thoughtful questions

Enjoy solving complex problems and organizing technical information

Communicate clearly and professionally with technical and non-technical audiences

Like working in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams

Are proactive, self-motivated, and open to feedback

Additional Details

Location: Office and occasional lab/test environments

Physical Requirements:

Able to sit or stand for long periods

Comfortable using standard office equipment and computers

Able to occasionally walk the facility floor or assist with light equipment

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

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 required