Mechanical Engineering Intern: Hands-on CAD & Prototyping

AV; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; 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 in California is offering a Summer Internship Program designed to provide students with an immersive, hands-on experience in aerospace engineering. Interns will work on real projects, use cutting-edge tools, and collaborate with engineers to deliver tangible results.

Roles span mechanical design, 3D CAD modeling in SolidWorks, prototyping, testing, and documentation. Applicants should be pursuing a related bachelor’s degree, have basic CAD experience, and be eager to learn in a

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.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

3D CAD software

SolidWorks

Hands-on prototyping

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Eagerness to learn

Education

Bachelor's degree student in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks EPDM

Job description

AeroVironment in California is offering a Summer Internship Program designed to provide students with an immersive, hands-on experience in aerospace engineering. Interns will work on real projects, use cutting-edge tools, and collaborate with engineers to deliver tangible results.

Roles span mechanical design, 3D CAD modeling in SolidWorks, prototyping, testing, and documentation. Applicants should be pursuing a related bachelor’s degree, have basic CAD experience, and be eager to learn in a