About the role#
As a Systems Engineering Intern at AV, you will work with experienced engineers to support the design, development, and integration of advanced unmanned aircraft systems and their subsystems. This role offers hands-on exposure to requirements development, system architecture, technical documentation, and project planning during the Summer 2027 term.
What you'll do#
- Assist in reviewing and analyzing customer requirements to understand system impacts.
- Help develop and document system-level requirements, Interface Control Documents, and specifications.
- Support trade studies, cost and schedule estimation, and technical planning efforts.
- Participate in design reviews and assist with creating materials for presentations.
- Collaborate with engineers from Electrical, Mechanical, Software, and Test disciplines to ensure effective integration.
- Aid in documenting and tracking system-level issues, risks, and changes.
- Contribute to test planning and verification and validation efforts.
- Gain experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering tools and best practices.
- Perform various engineering support tasks under the mentorship of experienced engineers.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a STEM field, such as Systems, Mechanical, Aerospace, or Computer Engineering.
- Strong interest in systems engineering, aerospace, or defense technology.
- Exposure to technical documentation or systems modeling through coursework or projects.
- Familiarity with engineering principles including requirements development, design, and integration.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Comfort working in cross-functional teams.
- Familiarity with UAVs, robotics, or aerospace systems is preferred.
- Exposure to tools like DOORS, Cameo, or MBSE frameworks.
- Experience with technical drawings, schematics, or block diagrams.
- Coursework or experience in project planning, risk management, or design reviews.
- Interest in defense technologies such as avionics, communications, GPS, or propulsion systems.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
Location & details#
- Location: Petaluma, California.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment: Full-time internship.
- Compensation: This is a paid position.
About AV
AV is a public company based in Arlington, Virginia, that specializes in defense and space manufacturing. The firm develops unmanned aircraft systems, ground robots, and software for autonomous platforms. It employs 3,034 people across multiple locations in the United States and Germany. The company focuses on integrated capabilities for modern defense missions.
How to get in at AV
Applying early to AV is a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting your resume to a crowded queue. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the right people. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral. It is a more effective approach than waiting for a system response.


