Manufacturing Engineering Intern

AeroVironment, Inc.; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Housing reimbursement

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is offering a 12-week Summer Internship Program in manufacturing engineering for highly motivated students. The position emphasizes hands-on experience with AV Unmanned Air Vehicles, Lean and Six Sigma, and collaboration across engineering teams.

Onsite in various US locations with relocation/housing stipend options. Ideal candidates are currently enrolled in a related bachelor’s program, maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA, and prepared to contribute to continuous improvement

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Mechanical engineering.
• Some coursework in manufacturing, process improvement, or quality control.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma is a plus.
• Proficient with MS Office; CAD/Visio/Minitab is a plus.
• Willing to travel up to 10% to supplier sites.

Responsibilities

• Assist in supporting and improving manufacturing processes focusing on efficiency and quality.
• Help implement Lean Manufacturing principles and apply Six Sigma methods.
• Analyze production data such as yields, capacity, cost, and process capability.
• 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.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Travel willingness

Education

Pursuing B.S. in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Minitab

Visio

CAD software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Worker Type Supplemental 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 Manufacturing Engineering Intern, you will support the design and operation of manufacturing systems for AV Unmanned Air Vehicles. Under the guidance of experienced manufacturing engineers, you will assist in analyzing production processes and data, help optimize manufacturing workflows, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. This internship provides hands‑on experience in manufacturing process design, factory planning, and production support.

Position 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

Basic Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or a related engineering 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 Bill of Materials is preferred
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with Visio, Minitab, or CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) is a plus
• Ability to travel occasionally to supplier sites (up to 10%)

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills
• Interest in root cause analysis and continuous improvement techniques
• Effective teamwork and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment
• Demonstrates initiative and responsibility for assigned workCommitment to learning and professional growth

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office environment (constant) Required to sit or stand for extended periods and use computer and office equipment frequently.

Clearance Level

Clearance Level No Clearance

ITAR Requirement

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.

ITAR U.S. Citizenship required

ITAR U.S. Citizenship required

Benefits

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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

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.

About AV

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.

Careers at AeroVironment

Careers at AeroVironment