Spring 2026 Systems Engineering Intern

Worker Type

Supplemental

Job Description

 

We are currently seeking a motivated and passionate student to join our team for a full-time, onsite Spring Internship running from January through April. Please only apply if you are interested in this schedule and location. Our 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.SummaryAs 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

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 § 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: 

We also encourage you to review our company website at 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

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.

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