Mechanical Engineering Intern

AeroVironment, Inc.; Pottstown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. invites students to join our Summer Internship Program to gain hands‑on experience with cutting‑edge aerospace technology. Interns will work closely with AV engineers, contribute to design reviews, and participate in prototyping and testing across multiple teams.

We seek motivated undergraduates pursuing Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering who can design with SolidWorks, build 3D models, and communicate effectively in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Basic experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Familiarity with machined parts, sheet metal, plastics, or composites.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing mechanical components and systems (airframes, payload enclosures, ground equipment, launch systems).
• Create/modify 3D CAD models and assemblies in SolidWorks.
• Support simulation/analysis with SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS.
• Participate in prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing using in‑house tools (3D printing).
• Generate technical drawings and BOMs per industry standards.
• Collaborate with engineers on design reviews, testing, and integration.

Skills

3D CAD

SolidWorks

Prototyping

Communication

Team Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks EPDM

PDM

ANSYS

Job description

Our Summer Internship Program is meticulously designed to provide students with an immersive and dynamic experience within our industry, offering a taste of what it's like to be part of our professional team. We strive to simulate a full‑time job, enabling our interns to work hands‑on with cutting‑edge technology, contribute to meaningful projects, build strong relationships with coworkers, and develop strategic problem‑solving skills. Our program is highly selective, hosting only a handful of interns each year, ensuring personalized attention and ample opportunities to work closely with AV team members.

We are hiring for various roles and locations throughout the U.S. During the interview process, we will discuss specific details regarding the team and location.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of mechanical components and systems, including airframes, payload enclosures, ground equipment, launch systems, and electro‑mechanical assemblies
• Create and modify 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks
• Support simulation and analysis tasks using tools like SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS
• Participate in prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing using in‑house tools and rapid prototyping methods (e.g., 3D printing)
• Help generate technical drawings and bills of materials in accordance with 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

Basic Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• Basic experience with 3D CAD software (preferably SolidWorks)
• Familiarity with mechanical components such as machined parts, sheet metal, plastic parts, or composite materials
• Exposure to hands‑on prototyping, lab testing, or mechanical assembly through academic or personal projects
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Eagerness to learn and contribute in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment

Preferred Qualifications & Competencies

• Familiarity with SolidWorks EPDM or other Product Data Management (PDM) systems
• Exposure to ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and engineering drawing practices
• Interest or experience in designing test fixtures or tooling
• Basic understanding of structural dynamics or thermodynamics in mechanical design
• Demonstrated problem‑solving ability and attention to detail
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and eager to take initiative
• Team player who values collaboration and continuous improvement

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and light R&D lab environment (Constant)
• Required to sit or stand for extended periods; use hands and fingers to operate a computer or tools (Frequent)

Clearance Level

No Clearance

Salary

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

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401K with company matching
• 9/80 work schedule
• 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.

Equal Opportunity

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

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.

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.