Summer 2026 System Test Engineering Intern

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 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
• Takes initiative, owns their learning process, and collaborates well with others

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in office, lab, and outdoor test environments (Occasional)
• Must be able to walk on uneven terrain , lift/carry objects up to 50 lbs , and set up test equipment (Frequent)
• Capable of visual tracking of UAVs up to 1 km away (Frequent)
• Manual dexterity required for equipment assembly and UAV handling (Frequent)
• Willing to participate in field test environments as part of a collaborative team

ITAR Requirement:

T__his 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:  .

We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply.  NO agencies please.

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.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

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.

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