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 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