Summer 2027 Systems Engineering/Test Intern

AeroVironment, Inc.; Virginia Colony (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation stipend

Housing reimbursement

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. invites motivated students to join its Summer Internship Program as a System Test Engineering Intern. You will engage in the development and flight testing of small unmanned aerial systems and related subsystems, working with experienced engineers across ground, simulation, and flight environments.

The program is 12 weeks, onsite, with mentorship and hands-on project work. Applicants should be enrolled in a college program or recent graduates with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing or recently completed an engineering degree with fundamentals in systems, testing, or flight operations.
• Strong interest in systems engineering, testing, and aerospace systems.
• Effective communication and attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Assist in system-level and flight tests for UAVs and subsystems.
• Help prepare test plans, procedures, and test cards.
• Participate in test readiness reviews, briefs, and post-test debriefs.
• Set up and operate test instrumentation under supervision.
• Capture test data and assist with post-flight data uploads/logs.
• Analyze test data using Excel or MATLAB to evaluate performance.
• Support test anomaly tracking and issue reporting.
• Help prepare test assets including hardware/software setup and checks.
• Collaborate with UAV operators, technicians, and engineers during live tests.
• Perform other duties to support test and integration efforts.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline

Tools

Excel

MATLAB

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 System Test Engineering Intern, you will support the developmental and flight testing of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and related subsystems. You will work closely with experienced test engineers and cross‑functional teams to help plan, execute, and analyze tests across ground, simulation, and flight environments. This internship provides hands‑on experience in testing advanced aerospace systems while offering mentorship and the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to real‑world challenges.

Position Responsibilities

• Assist in the execution of system‑level and flight tests, supporting UAV ground and flight operations
• Help prepare test plans, procedures, and test cards to verify system and subsystem performance
• Participate in test readiness reviews, test briefs, and post‑test debriefs
• Set up and operate test instrumentation and equipment under supervision
• Capture and organize test data, fill out test documentation, and assist with post‑flight data uploads and logs
• Analyze test data using Excel, MATLAB, or similar tools to help evaluate performance
• Support test anomaly tracking and assist with issue reporting
• Contribute to test asset preparation, including hardware/software setup and functional checks
• Collaborate with UAV operators, technicians, and other engineers during live test events
• Perform other duties as assigned to support test and integration efforts

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Systems, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace Engineering, or a related discipline
• Familiarity with engineering fundamentals and exposure to test procedures, lab work, or data collection through coursework or projects
• Strong interest in systems engineering, testing, flight operations, or aerospace systems
• Comfortable working with data analysis tools like Excel or MATLAB
• Effective communicator with strong attention to detail
• Enthusiastic about learning in a hands‑on, fast‑paced environment

Preferred Qualifications & Competencies

• Exposure to scripting or programming for test automation (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C)
• Interest in unmanned aerial vehicles or robotics
• Experience participating in a technical team, such as a student design team or research project
• Knowledge of test instrumentation, data acquisition, or telemetry systems (preferred but not required)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently under guidance