AeroVironment· Aerospace & Defense· Oct 7, 2026 · 21d ago
Petaluma, CA
Location
In office
Work mode
Internship
Schedule
Intern
Level
$52K–$79K est.
Estimated compensation
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.
This position will report onsite to the Petaluma, CA office and work on our UAS product line.
Mechanical Engineering Intern
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)
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: avinc.com .
We also encourage you to review our company website at 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.
ITAR
U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.
Requirements
Must-haves
Supplemental
Summer Internship Program
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.
This position will report onsite to the Petaluma, CA office and work on our UAS product line.
Mechanical Engineering Intern
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