Summer 2027 Manufacturing Engineering Intern

AV; Pottstown (Montgomery County); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holidays

Job summary

AeroVironment is offering a 12-week onsite Summer Internship Program in Manufacturing Engineering. You will work with manufacturing engineers to analyze production processes, data, and apply Lean and Six Sigma to improve efficiency and quality.

Qualified students must be enrolled in college or be recent graduates, with a minimum 3.0 GPA and a preference for junior level or above; relocation/housing stipends may be available. Opportunities across US teams will be discussed in interviews.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial or Mechanical engineering or related field.
• Some coursework or experience in manufacturing, process improvement, or quality control.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma is a plus.
• Basic knowledge of electro-mechanical manufacturing and BOMs.

Responsibilities

• Assist in supporting and improving manufacturing processes for efficiency and quality.
• Support Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives for continuous improvement.
• Analyze production data (yields, capacity, cost, process capability) for opportunities.
• Document standard work hours, sequences, and assembly procedures.
• Create and update work instructions and process documentation.
• Contribute to DFMEA/PFMEA and cross-functional improvement projects.
• Collaborate with design and manufacturing teams on DFM and reliability analysis.
• Gain hands-on experience on production floor activities like assembly and integration.

Skills

Problem-solving

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Visio

Minitab

CAD (SolidWorks)

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 A V 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 work
• Commitment 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

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.

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.