Summer 2027 Systems Engineering/Test 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.

Depending on the team and location, students who are willing to relocate for their internship may be eligible for a relocation and housing reimbursement stipend.

AV offers internship opportunities across various teams and locations throughout the United States. Specific team, location, and program details will be discussed during the interview process.

Summary

As a System Test Engineering Intern, you will support the developmental and flight testingof small unmanned aerial systems (UAS)and related subsystems. You will work closely with experienced test engineers and cross-functional teams to help plan, execute, and analyze tests across ground, simulation, and flight environments.

This internship provides hands-on experience in testing advanced aerospace systems while offering mentorship and the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to real-world challenges.

Position Responsibilities

• Assistin the execution of system-level and flight tests, supporting UAV ground and flight operations

• Help prepare test plans, procedures, and test cardsto verify system and subsystem performance

• Participate in test readiness reviews, test briefs, and post-test debriefs

• Set up and operatetest instrumentation and equipment under supervision

• Capture and organize test data, fill out test documentation, and assistwith post-flight data uploads and logs

• Analyze test data using Excel, MATLAB, or similar tools to help evaluate performance

• Support test anomaly tracking and assistwith issue reporting

• Contribute to test asset preparation, including hardware/software setup and functional checks

• Collaborate with UAV operators, technicians, and other engineers during live test events

• Perform other duties as assigned to support test and integration efforts

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degreein Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline

• Familiarity with engineering fundamentals and exposure to test procedures, lab work, or data collection through coursework or projects

• Strong interest in systems engineering, testing, flight operations, or aerospace systems

• Comfortable working with data analysis tools like Excelor MATLAB

• Effective communicator with strong attention to detail

• Enthusiastic about learning in a hands-on, fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications & Competencies

• Exposure to scripting or programming for test automation (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C)

• Interest in unmanned aerial vehicles or robotics

• Experience participating in a technical team, such as a student design team or research project

• Knowledge of test instrumentation, data acquisition, or telemetry systems (preferred but not required)

• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently under guidance

• Takes initiative, owns their learning process, and collaborates well with others

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in office, lab, and outdoor test environments (Occasional)

• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain, lift/carry objects up to 50 lbs, and set up test equipment (Frequent)

• Capable of visual tracking of UAVs up to 1 kmaway (Frequent)

• Manual dexterity required for equipment assembly and UAV handling (Frequent)

• Willing to participatein field test environmentsas part of a collaborative team

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