Summer 2026 Autonomy & Robotics Engineering Intern

Job description

**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 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:**

_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: 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 (https://www.avinc.com/careers/our-team)**

Required Skill Profession

Other General