Summer 2027 Mechanical Engineering Intern

AeroVironment, Inc.; Maryland; On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Excellent benefits package

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is offering a Summer Internship Program across multiple U.S. locations.

Interns will work with engineers on mechanical designs, draft CAD models, run simulations, fabricate prototypes, and support testing with hands‑on experience using SolidWorks and in‑house tools. Current students pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering will gain exposure to real projects, team collaboration, and documentation practices, with a selective program that mirrors

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering.
• Hands-on prototyping, lab testing or mechanical assembly experience.
• Basic experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist design of mechanical components and systems (airframes, enclosures, launch systems).
• Create and modify 3D CAD models and assemblies in SolidWorks.
• Support simulation/analysis tasks in SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS.
• Participate in prototype fabrication and testing using in-house tools.
• Generate technical drawings and bills of materials per drafting standards.
• Collaborate with engineers on design reviews and integration tasks.
• Contribute to documentation and test result reporting.
• Learn configuration control and engineering change processes.

Skills

CAD experience

SolidWorks

Hands-on prototyping

Communication skills

Eagerness to learn

Basic mechanical knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering (pursuing)

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Simulation

ANSYS

Job description

Simi Valley, CA

Dayton, OH

Huntsville, AL

Pottstown, PA

Sunrise, FL

Herndon, VA

Moorpark, CA

San Luis Obispo, CA

Annapolis Junction, MD

Germantown, MD

Albuquerque, NM

Minneapolis, MN

Arlington, VA

Petaluma, CA

Melbourne, FL

San Diego, CA

Full time

8558

Worker Type

Supplemental

Job Description

Our Summer Internship Program is meticulously designed to provide students with an immersive and dynamic experience within our industry, offering a taste of what it's like to be part of our professional team. We strive to simulate a full-time job, enabling our interns to work hands‑on with cutting‑edge technology, contribute to meaningful projects, build strong relationships with coworkers, and develop strategic problem‑solving skills. Our program is highly selective, hosting only a handful of interns each year, ensuring personalized attention and ample opportunities to work closely with AV team members.

We are hiring for various roles and locations throughout the U.S. During the interview process, we will discuss specific details regarding the team and location.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in the design of mechanical components and systems, including airframes, payload enclosures, ground equipment, launch systems, and electro‑mechanical assemblies
• Create and modify 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks
• Support simulation and analysis tasks using tools like SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS
• Participate in prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing using in‑house tools and rapid prototyping methods (e.g., 3D printing)
• Help generate technical drawings and bills of materials in accordance with industry drafting standards
• Collaborate with engineers to support design reviews, testing activities, and integration of mechanical systems
• Contribute to documentation and reporting of design progress and test results
• Learn and assist in configuration control and engineering change processes
• Perform other tasks as assigned to support ongoing development efforts

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• 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

Preferred Qualifications & Competencies

• Familiarity with SolidWorks EPDM or other Product Data Management (PDM) systems
• Exposure to ASME Y14.5 GD&T standards and engineering drawing practices
• Interest or experience in designing test fixtures or tooling
• Basic understanding of structural dynamics or thermodynamics in mechanical design
• Demonstrated problem‑solving ability and attention to detail
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and eager to take initiative
• Team player who values collaboration and continuous improvement

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and light R&D lab environment (Constant)
• Required to sit or stand for extended periods; use hands and fingers to operate a computer or tools (Frequent)

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.

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.

Careers at AeroVironment

https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team