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Petaluma, California, United States
Onsite
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. 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 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
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