Electrical Engineering Intern

Location: Petaluma, CA

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.

This position will report onsite to our Petaluma, CA office and support our UAS product line.

Summary

As an Electrical Engineering Intern, you’ll contribute to the design, development, and testing of electrical systems for unmanned aircraft and advanced robotics. You’ll assist in building and supporting test equipment, writing software, and troubleshooting systems — gaining valuable, real-world experience across the product development lifecycle.

This is an exciting opportunity to apply your academic training in a high-tech, fast-paced environment while working alongside experienced engineers and mentors.

Position Responsibilities

Assist in the design, development, and troubleshooting of test equipment for printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs), subsystems, and full systems

Help develop and deploy test software to support hardware integration and validation

Support the maintenance and upgrade of test systems used during production

Participate in test plan creation, requirements documentation, and validation strategies

Assist in executing tests on power systems, avionics, and propulsion components (functional, performance, and environmental)

Learn and apply engineering best practices, processes, and documentation standards

Support hardware bring-up, test station calibration, and system verification

Work collaboratively with cross-functional teams including hardware, software, and systems engineers

Perform other related duties as assigned to support ongoing engineering efforts

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

Academic or personal project experience in one or more of the following:

Power electronics, battery systems, or electric motors

Embedded systems, FPGA, or RF systems

Digital and analog circuit design

Familiarity with electrical protocols such as I2C, SPI, UART, USB, CAN, or LVDS

Basic programming knowledge in C, C++, or C#

Exposure to test equipment like oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies

Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills

Effective communication skills and ability to work well in a team

Preferred Qualifications & Competencies

Hands-on experience with PCB testing, debugging, or electronics prototyping

Exposure to Visual Studio, Git, or hardware/software integration environments

Familiarity with version control and defect tracking tools

Experience with scripting or automation for test procedures (e.g., Python)

Passion for aerospace, robotics, or defense-related systems

Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and a willingness to learn

Ability to manage time effectively and adapt in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office and light manufacturing/test environment (Constant)

Required to sit, stand, and use computer equipment for extended periods (Frequent)

May be required to lift and carry up to 10 lbs. (Occasional)

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.

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 d