Summer 2027 Manufacturing Engineering Intern

AeroVironment; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 11,902,000 - 17,192,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical

Dental vision

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Manufacturing Engineering Intern for a 12-week, on-site Summer Internship Program. You will support the design and operation of manufacturing systems for AV unmanned vehicles, under the guidance of senior engineers, and gain hands-on experience in lean manufacturing and process improvement.

Open to students enrolled in college or recent graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA; relocation/housing reimbursement may be available.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Industrial/Mechanical engineering or related 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 BOM is preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with Visio, Minitab, or CAD software is a plus.
• Ability to travel occasionally to supplier sites (up to 10%).

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

Skills

Microsoft Office

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Root cause analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Visio

Minitab

CAD (SolidWorks)

Job description

Simi Valley, CA

Dayton, OH

Huntsville, AL

Pottstown, PA

San Luis Obispo, CA

Moorpark, CA

Annapolis Junction, MD

Germantown, MD

Lawrence, KS

Albuquerque, NM

Arlington, VA

Melbourne, FL

Petaluma, CA

San Diego, CA

Full time

8608

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 AV 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

• medical
• dental vision
• 401K with company matching
• a 9/80 work schedule
• a paid holiday shutdown

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.

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—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Careers at AeroVironment (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)