Hands-on Mechanical Engineering Intern: CAD & Prototyping

AV; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment offers a Summer Internship Program designed to provide engineering students with hands-on experience in our UAS and defense-focused projects. Interns will design mechanical components, create SolidWorks models, and participate in prototype fabrication and testing using in-house tools.

You will work with engineers, contribute to design reviews, and expand your practical engineering skills. We seek students pursuing Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with strong CAD familiarity and

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field.
• Basic experience with 3D CAD software (preferably SolidWorks).
• Familiarity with machined parts, sheet metal, plastics, or composites.
• Exposure to hands-on prototyping, lab testing, or mechanical assembly through projects.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Eagerness to learn in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of mechanical components and systems (airframes, payload enclosures, ground equipment, launch systems, electro‑mechanical assemblies).
• Create and modify 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks.
• Support simulation and analysis tasks using SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS.
• Participate in prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing using in-house tools and rapid prototyping (e.g., 3D printing).
• Help generate technical drawings and bills of materials per industry drafting standards.
• Collaborate with engineers to support design reviews, testing activities, and integration of mechanical systems.
• Contribute to documentation and reporting of design progress and test results.
• Learn and assist in configuration control and engineering change processes.
• Perform other tasks as assigned to support ongoing development efforts.

Skills

3D CAD experience (SolidWorks)

Hands-on prototyping

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering (in progress)

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Simulation

ANSYS

EPDM / PDM systems

Job description

AeroVironment offers a Summer Internship Program designed to provide engineering students with hands-on experience in our UAS and defense-focused projects. Interns will design mechanical components, create SolidWorks models, and participate in prototype fabrication and testing using in-house tools.

You will work with engineers, contribute to design reviews, and expand your practical engineering skills. We seek students pursuing Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering with strong CAD familiarity and