Hypersonic RF Software Engineering Intern

avav; Germantown (MD); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Housing stipend

9/80 schedule

Holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a RF Software Engineering Intern for its 12‑week Summer Internship Program in Germantown, MD. You will contribute to real‑world AV software projects, assisting in design, development, and testing across ground control, user interfaces, and data pipelines.

The role targets students pursuing a BS/MS in CS/Software Eng, with strong Python/C++/Java skills, IDE familiarity, and solid problem‑solving abilities.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong programming foundations in Python, C++, or Java.
• Familiar with IDEs such as Visual Studio, Git, Eclipse.
• Knowledge of data structures, algorithms and software design principles.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with engineers, scientists, and project managers on real‑world projects.
• Support design and testing of software for AV systems and data pipelines.
• Assist in prototype and production software using open‑source and proprietary packages.
• Document and iterate software using configuration management tools.
• Contribute to field testing and evaluation of components and systems.

Skills

Python

C++

Java

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in CS/Software Engineering or related

Tools

Visual Studio

Git

Eclipse

REST APIs

Docker

Job description

Worker Type

Supplemental

Job Description

RF Software Engineering Intern

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.

This position is required to work onsite in the Germantown, MD office.

Summary

As a RF 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

• Work with a team of engineers, scientists, and project managers
• Perform technology research, including trade studies and comparative analysis.
• Assist in design and testing of prototype and production systems using open‑source, custom, and proprietary software packages.
• Utilize configuration management tools to document and iterate upon software under development.
• Conduct field testing and evaluation of components, systems, and products.

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

• We are looking to hire multiple interns to support a variety of projects, so experience in any of the following areas is desired.
• Experience with frontend (e.g., React, JavaFX) and backend development and/or integration.
• Familiarity with REST APIs and web frameworks.
• Skills with DevOps, CI/CD, automated testing, and/or Docker.
• Competency in unit testing and debugging.\
• Familiarity with GitHub and/or GitLab.
• Proficiency with object‑oriented programming (e.g. Java, JavaScript, C++, Python) with the ability to write clean, well‑documented code.
• Experience in software test design and integration.
• Competency in data analysis and visualization tools such as Excel or MATLAB.
• Participation in extracurricular student engineering competitions

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

No Clearance

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.

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