Summer 2027 Autonomy & Robotics Engineering Intern

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. AV offers internship opportunities across various teams and locations throughout the United States. Specific team, location, and program details will be discussed during the interview process. Summary As an Autonomy & Robotics Engineering Intern, you will work alongside a team of skilled engineers to support the development of autonomous behaviors, machine perception, and robotic control systems for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and other advanced platforms. You’ll gain experience in algorithm development, simulation, and integration on real hardware in a fast-paced, collaborative R&D environment. This internship provides a hands-on opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to cutting-edge autonomy applications, with mentorship and support from senior engineers. Position Responsibilities Assist in the design, implementation, and testing of algorithms related to: Computer vision, object tracking, and target detection Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) integrated with visual sensors State estimation using inertial and visual data Autonomous behavior modeling (e.g., finite-state machines, behavior trees) Path planning and multi-vehicle coordination Support the development and debugging of autonomy software on simulation platforms and real hardware Collaborate with teammates on testing, data collection, and experimental design Participate in code reviews and integration efforts across multidisciplinary teams Document and present findings in internal reports or presentations Perform other duties as assigned Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field Coursework or project experience in areas such as robotics, autonomy, or computer vision Proficiency in C/C++ (modern standards like C++11 or later preferred) Familiarity with Python and/or MATLAB for data analysis or prototyping Interest in working with UAS, robotics, or autonomous systems Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills Willingness to learn, collaborate, and work in a hands-on environment Preferred Qualifications (Not Required but a Plus) Experience with Robot Operating System (ROS) Familiarity with: Vision-based perception (e.g., feature tracking, template matching, visual odometry) Trajectory planning, GNC algorithms, or control systems Embedded systems or low size, weight, and power (SWaP) devices Exposure to simulation tools, real-time systems, or experimental robotics Involvement in robotics competitions, clubs, or research projects Additional Competencies Team-oriented mindset with strong collaboration skills Comfortable asking questions and taking initiative to solve problems Thrives in a dynamic, deadline-driven R&D environment Demonstrates accountability and a commitment to continuous learning Able to clearly communicate technical information to diverse audiences Physical Demands Ability to work in an office and R&D lab environment (Constant) Required to sit, stand, and use a computer for long periods (Frequent) Occasional hands-on work with robotic systems, test setups, and hardware integration 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 will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their 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. 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 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. Careers at AeroVironment