Summer 2027 Mechanical Engineering Intern

AeroVironment, Inc.; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a motivated mechanical engineering student to join our design team in California. You will help design mechanical components and systems for UAS and missile systems, create SolidWorks models, and support prototype fabrication and testing.

This internship-position requires eagerness to learn and collaborate in a fast-paced environment. The role offers hands-on experience with drafting standards, BOM creation, and integration with engineers during design reviews and

Qualifications

• Pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering or related field.
• Basic experience with 3D CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
• Familiarity with machined parts, sheet metal, plastic parts, or composites.

Responsibilities

• Assist in designing mechanical components and systems (airframes, payload enclosures, ground equipment, launch systems, electro-mechanical assemblies).
• Create and modify 3D CAD models and assemblies using SolidWorks.
• Support simulation and analysis with SolidWorks Simulation or ANSYS.
• Participate in prototype fabrication, assembly, and testing (3D printing, in-house tools).
• Create drawings and BOMs per drafting standards.
• Collaborate with engineers on reviews, testing, and integration of mechanical systems.
• Document design progress and test results; support configuration control and change processes.
• Assist with ongoing development tasks as needed.

Skills

3D CAD (SolidWorks)

Mechanical components

Hands-on prototyping

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM systems

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

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 initiativeTeam 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.

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.

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.

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)