Summer 2027 Embedded Software Engineering Intern

AeroVironment, Inc.; Simi Valley (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Housing reimbursement

Medical

Dental

Vision

401K matching

9/80 schedule

Paid holidays

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. in California is seeking an Embedded Software Engineering Intern to design, develop, and test embedded software for unmanned aerial and robotic systems. You will work with experienced engineers on real‑world projects.

This 12‑week onsite program offers hands‑on learning, relocation housing reimbursement where eligible, and collaboration with cross‑functional teams. You will gain experience with C/C++, Python, and RTOS while building practical aerospace software skills.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of embedded systems and microcontrollers.
• Familiarity with programming in C, C++, or Python.
• Understanding of low-level software concepts (memory management, interrupts, device drivers).
• Exposure to I2C, SPI, UART, or CAN protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist in writing and testing embedded software for autopilots, sensors, radios, and other onboard components.
• Help implement software in C/C++ for real-time and bare‑metal systems using microcontrollers and embedded platforms.
• Support the integration of embedded software with hardware, including debugging with lab tools.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (electrical, systems, mechanical) to ensure cohesive development.
• Participate in peer reviews, software documentation, and configuration management processes.
• Contribute to lab testing and field testing of embedded systems in support of real-world mission scenarios.
• Assist in the development of prototypes and proof-of-concept demonstrations.

Skills

Embedded systems

C/C++

Python

Team collaboration

Education

CS/EE degree

Tools

STM32

Arduino

Raspberry Pi

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 Embedded Software Engineering Intern, you will work alongside experienced engineers to design, develop, and test embedded software for unmanned aerial and robotic systems. You’ll gain hands‑on experience in real‑world development, writing software that runs on microcontrollers, processors, and other hardware used in flight systems, sensors, and payloads. You’ll contribute to projects at various stages of the development lifecycle - from prototyping and integration to testing and validation - while learning industry best practices in embedded software development.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in writing and testing embedded software for systems such as autopilots, sensors, radios, and other onboard components.
• Help implement software in C/C++ for real‑time and bare‑metal systems using microcontrollers and embedded platforms.
• Support the integration of embedded software with hardware, including debugging with lab tools (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, etc.).
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including electrical, systems, and mechanical engineers, to ensure cohesive development.
• Participate in peer reviews, software documentation, and configuration management processes.
• Contribute to lab testing and field testing of embedded systems in support of real‑world mission scenarios.
• Assist in the development of prototypes and proof‑of‑concept demonstrations.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Basic knowledge of embedded systems and microcontrollers.
• Familiarity with programming languages such as C, C++, or Python.
• Understanding of low‑level software concepts, such as memory management, interrupts, or device drivers.
• Exposure to hardware communication protocols like I2C, SPI, UART, or CAN.
• Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.

Preferred Qualifications & Competencies

• Hands‑on experience with microcontroller platforms (e.g., STM32, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, or similar).
• Familiarity with RTOS environments (e.g., FreeRTOS, Zephyr).
• Exposure to Linux‑based development or embedded Linux environments.
• Experience with lab equipment (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters).
• Interest in aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems.
• Initiative, curiosity, and a passion for learning and innovation.

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office and R&D environment (Constant). Required to sit, type, and use office/lab equipment for extended periods (Frequent). Occasional hands‑on work in lab and field test environments may be required.

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

• medical
• dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• a 9/80 work schedule
• 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.

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.

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.

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.

ITAR 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.