Summer 2027 Electrical Engineering Intern

AeroVironment; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Relocation stipend

Job summary

As an Electrical Engineering Intern at AeroVironment, you’ll join AV’s Test Equipment Engineering Team and contribute to the design, development, and testing of electrical systems for unmanned aircraft and advanced robotics.

You’ll assist in building and supporting test equipment, writing software, and troubleshooting systems — gaining valuable, real-world experience across the product development lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Computer Engineering or related field.
• Projects in power electronics, battery systems, or motors.
• Experience with embedded, FPGA, or RF systems.
• Familiar with I2C/SPI/UART/USB/CAN/LVDS.
• Basic programming in C/C++/C#.
• Experience with test equipment like oscilloscopes and multimeters.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Good communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and troubleshoot PCBAs, subsystems, and systems test equipment.
• Develop and deploy test software for hardware integration.
• Maintain and upgrade test systems used in production.
• Create test plans, document requirements, and validation strategies.
• Execute tests on power systems, avionics, propulsion components.
• Apply engineering best practices and documentation standards.
• Support hardware bring-up, test station calibration, and verification.
• Collaborate with hardware, software, and systems engineers.
• Perform other duties to support engineering efforts.

Skills

Power electronics

Embedded systems

Circuit design

I2C/SPI/UART

C/C++

Test equipment

Analytical skills

Teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering

Tools

Visual Studio

Git

HW/SW integration

Version control

Python scripting

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 an Electrical Engineering Intern , you’ll join AV’s Test Equipment Engineering Team and contribute to the design, development, and testing of electrical systems for unmanned aircraft and advanced robotics. You’ll assist in building and supporting test equipment, writing software, and troubleshooting systems — gaining valuable, real‑world experience across the product development lifecycle.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply your academic training in a high‑tech, fast‑paced environment while working alongside experienced engineers and mentors.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, development, and troubleshooting of test equipment for printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), subsystems, and full systems
• Help develop and deploy test software to support hardware integration and validation
• Support the maintenance and upgrade of test systems used during production
• Participate in test plan creation, requirements documentation, and validation strategies
• Assist in executing tests on power systems, avionics, and propulsion components (functional, performance, and environmental)
• Learn and apply engineering best practices, processes, and documentation standards
• Support hardware bring‑up, test station calibration, and system verification
• Work collaboratively with cross‑functional teams including hardware, software, and systems engineers
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support ongoing engineering efforts

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Academic or personal project experience in one or more of the following:
• Power electronics, battery systems, or electric motors
• Embedded systems, FPGA, or RF systems
• Digital and analog circuit design
• Familiarity with electrical protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, USB, CAN, or LVDS
• Basic programming knowledge in C, C++, or C#
• Exposure to test equipment like oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills
• Effective communication skills and ability to work well in a team

Preferred Qualifications & Competencies

• Hands‑on experience with PCB testing, debugging, or electronics prototyping
• Exposure to Visual Studio, Git, or hardware/software integration environments
• Familiarity with version control and defect tracking tools
• Experience with scripting or automation for test procedures (e.g., Python)
• Passion for aerospace, robotics, or defense‑related systems
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and a willingness to learn
• Ability to manage time effectively and adapt in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and light manufacturing/test environment (Constant)
• Required to sit, stand, and use computer equipment for extended periods (Frequent)
• May be required to lift and carry up to 10 lbs. (Occasional)

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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their 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.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine‑launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand‑launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real‑time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

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.