Lean-Driven Manufacturing Engineering Intern, Summer 2027

AeroVironment; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 11,902,000 - 17,192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Intern for a 12-week, on-site Summer Internship Program. You will support the design and operation of manufacturing systems for AV unmanned vehicles, under the guidance of senior engineers, and gain hands-on experience in lean manufacturing and process improvement.

Open to students enrolled in college or recent graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA; relocation/housing reimbursement may be available.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Mechanical engineering or related field.
• Some coursework or experience related to manufacturing, process improvement, or quality control.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of electro‑mechanical manufacturing, technical drawings, and BOM is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Visio, Minitab, or CAD software is a plus.
• Ability to travel occasionally to supplier sites (up to 10%).

Responsibilities

• Assist in supporting and improving manufacturing processes with a focus on efficiency and quality.
• Help implement Lean Manufacturing principles and apply Six Sigma methods to support continuous improvement efforts.
• Analyze production data such as yields, capacity, cost, and process capability to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support establishment and documentation of standard work hours, sequences, and assembly procedures.
• Help generate and update work instructions and other documentation controlling manufacturing processes.
• Participate in root cause analysis and problem‑solving activities related to materials, design, equipment, and personnel.
• Assist in manufacturing capacity planning and factory layout design for improved efficiency.
• Support cost estimation activities for new tooling, fixtures, and production equipment.
• Collaborate with design engineering teams on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and reliability analysis.
• Participate in cross‑functional improvement projects involving engineering and suppliers to enhance cost, cycle time, and quality.
• Support Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Process FMEA (PFMEA) activities.
• Provide input to engineering regarding manufacturing considerations for design concepts and specifications.
• Gain hands‑on experience supporting production floor activities, including assembly and integration processes.
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Microsoft Office

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Visio

Minitab

CAD (SolidWorks)

Job description

AeroVironment is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Intern for a 12-week, on-site Summer Internship Program. You will support the design and operation of manufacturing systems for AV unmanned vehicles, under the guidance of senior engineers, and gain hands-on experience in lean manufacturing and process improvement.

Open to students enrolled in college or recent graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA; relocation/housing reimbursement may be available.