Systems Engineering Intern

AV; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

AVSummer Internship Program provides hands-on experience in systems engineering for unmanned aircraft. Interns collaborate with experienced engineers to design, develop, and integrate subsystems, gaining exposure to MBSE, requirements, and test planning.

You'll work with Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Test teams across multiple U.S. locations, contributing to real projects and developing problem-solving skills under mentorship.

Qualifications

• Pursuing a STEM degree (B.S./M.S.) in systems, mechanical, aerospace, or electrical engineering.
• Interest in systems engineering, aerospace, or defense tech.
• Able to work in cross-functional teams and communicate effectively.

Responsibilities

• Review and analyze customer requirements to understand system impacts.
• Develop system-level requirements, ICDs, and specifications.
• Support trade studies, cost/schedule estimation, and planning.
• Participate in design reviews and prepare presentation materials.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Test engineers for integration.
• Document system-level issues, risks, and changes.
• Contribute to MBSE tool use and verification planning.

Skills

Customer requirements analysis

System-level requirements

Trade studies

MBSE experience

Cross-functional teamwork

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in STEM

Tools

DOORS

Cameo

Job description

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.

Summary

As a Systems Engineering Intern, you will work alongside experienced systems engineers to support the design, development, and integration of advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their subsystems. This role provides hands‑on exposure to requirements development, system architecture, technical documentation, and project planning - while offering real contributions to projects that matter.

What You’ll Do

• Assist in reviewing and analyzing customer requirements to understand system impacts
• Help develop and document system‑level requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and specifications
• Support trade studies, cost/schedule estimation, and technical planning efforts
• Participate in design reviews and assist with creating materials for presentations
• Collaborate with engineers from Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Test disciplines to ensure effective integration
• Aid in documenting and tracking system‑level issues, risks, and changes
• Contribute to test planning and verification/validation efforts
• Gain experience with Model‑Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and best practices
• Perform various engineering support tasks under the mentorship of experienced engineers
• Other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM field (Systems, Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline)
• Strong interest in systems engineering, aerospace, or defense technology
• Exposure to technical documentation or systems modeling through coursework or projects
• Familiarity with engineering principles including requirements developmentdesign, and integration
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Comfortable working in cross‑functional teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with UAVs, aerospace systems, or robotics
• Exposure to systems engineering tools like DOORSCameo, or MBSE frameworks
• Experience with technical drawings, schematics, or block diagrams
• Coursework or experience in project planning, risk management, or design reviews
• Interest in defense technologies such as avionics, communications, GPS, or propulsion systems

You Might Be a Good Fit If You...

• Are naturally curious and ask thoughtful questions
• Enjoy solving complex problems and organizing technical information
• Communicate clearly and professionally with technical and non-technical audiences
• Like working in collaborative, multidisciplinary teams
• Are proactive, self‑motivated, and open to feedback

Additional Details

• Location: Office and occasional lab/test environments
• Physical Requirements:
• Able to sit or stand for long periods
• Comfortable using standard office equipment and computers
• Able to occasionally walk the facility floor or assist with light equipment

Clearance Level

No Clearance

The salary range for this role is:

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills.

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 must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR 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.

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.

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.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship required