Systems Engineering Intern

AeroVironment, Inc.; Petaluma (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVironment, Inc. is seeking a Systems Engineering Intern to work with experienced engineers on the design, development, and integration of advanced unmanned aircraft systems and their subsystems.

You will gain hands-on exposure to MBSE, requirements development, system architecture, and project planning while contributing to meaningful projects at AV.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM field (Systems, Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, or related).
• Strong interest in systems engineering, aerospace, or defense technology.
• Exposure to requirements development, design, and integration through coursework or projects.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; comfortable working in cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Assist in reviewing and analyzing customer requirements to understand system impacts.
• Develop and document system-level requirements, ICDs, and specifications.
• Support trade studies, cost/schedule estimation, and technical planning efforts.
• Participate in design reviews and help create presentation materials.
• Collaborate with Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Test teams to ensure effective integration.
• Aid in documenting and tracking system-level issues, risks, and changes.
• Contribute to MBSE activities and documentation.

Skills

Systems engineering

MBSE

Requirements development

Technical documentation

Presentation skills

Cross-functional teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in STEM

Tools

DOORS

Cameo

MBSE tools

Job description

Worker TypeSupplementalJob DescriptionOur 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.SummaryAs 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 DoAssist in reviewing and analyzing customer requirements to understand system impactsHelp develop and document system-level requirements, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), and specificationsSupport trade studies, cost/schedule estimation, and technical planning effortsParticipate in design reviews and assist with creating materials for presentationsCollaborate with engineers from Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Test disciplines to ensure effective integrationAid in documenting and tracking system-level issues, risks, and changesContribute to test planning and verification/validation effortsGain experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) tools and best practicesPerform various engineering support tasks under the mentorship of experienced engineersOther duties as assignedBasic 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 technologyExposure to technical documentation or systems modeling through coursework or projectsFamiliarity with engineering principles including requirements development, design, and integrationExcellent verbal and written communication skillsComfortable working in cross-functional teamsPreferred QualificationsFamiliarity with UAVs, aerospace systems, or roboticsExposure to systems engineering tools like DOORS, Cameo, or MBSE frameworksExperience with technical drawings, schematics, or block diagramsCoursework or experience in project planning, risk management, or design reviewsInterest in defense technologies such as avionics, communications, GPS, or propulsion systemsYou Might Be a Good Fit If You...Are naturally curious and ask thoughtful questionsEnjoy solving complex problems and organizing technical informationCommunicate clearly and professionally with technical and non-technical audiencesLike working in collaborative, multidisciplinary teamsAre proactive, self-motivated, and open to feedbackAdditional DetailsLocation: Office and occasional lab/test environmentsPhysical Requirements:Able to sit or stand for long periodsComfortable using standard office equipment and computersAble to occasionally walk the facility floor or assist with light equipmentClearance LevelNo ClearanceThe 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.Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.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.ITARU.S. Citizenship required