Software Engineering Intern

Worker Type

Job Description

Summer Internship Program

Our paid Summer Internship Program is designed to provide students with an immersive, hands-on experience within the aerospace and defense industry. Interns work alongside AV team members on meaningful projects involving cutting-edge technology while developing professional relationships, strategic problem-solving skills, and practical experience in a full-time work environment.

This is a 12-week, onsite program intended for highly motivated and passionate students who are currently enrolled in college or are recent graduates. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, with a preference for students at the junior level or above.

Our program has been recognized by Yello and WayUp as one of the Top 100 Internship Programs in the United States for multiple years.

This role will be onsite in our Lawrence, KS office with a focus on our Unmanned System products.

Summary

As a Software Engineering Intern, you’ll be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on real-world projects across AV technology portfolio. You’ll assist in the design, development, and testing of software solutions for a variety of applications - from ground control systems and user interfaces to data pipelines and simulation tools.

This role is ideal for someone who’s eager to apply their software development skills in a dynamic, hands-on environment, while learning from experienced engineers and contributing to projects with real impact.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, coding, testing, and debugging of software components and systems.

• Contribute to the development of tools and applications that support AV robotics and aerospace platforms.

• Collaborate with engineers across software, hardware, and systems teams to integrate and test new capabilities.

• Participate in code reviews, documentation, and the use of version control and defect tracking tools.

• Help develop scripts or automation to improve team workflows and efficiency.

• Learn and apply best practices in software development processes, including Agile methodologies.

• Support the development of prototypes, simulations, and proof-of-concept demonstrations.

• Attend team meetings, contribute ideas, and learn to estimate development effort and timelines.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.

• Strong foundational knowledge in programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java.

• Familiarity with development tools such as Visual Studio, Git, Eclipse, or similar IDEs.

• Experience with data structures, algorithms, and software design principles.

• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications & Competencies

• Experience with software development on Linux, Windows, or cross-platform environments.

• Exposure to web technologies, cloud platforms, or backend services is a plus.

• Interest in or exposure to robotics, autonomous systems, or data analytics.

• Experience using scripting languages (e.g., Bash, Python) to automate tasks.

• Knowledge of Agile development practices and version control (e.g., Git).

• Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies and frameworks.

• Ability to take ownership of tasks and contribute to team goals.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and R&D lab environment (Constant)

• Required to sit, type, and use office equipment for extended periods (Frequent)

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, 401(k) with company matching, and flexible work schedule options. Depending on your business unit, role, and customer contract requirements, select programs may offer a 9/80 work schedule and 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