Manufacturing Engineering Intern

AeroVironment • Pottstown, PA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

AeroVironment’s paid Summer Internship Program provides students with immersive, hands-on experience in the aerospace and defense industry. Interns work alongside AV team members on meaningful projects involving cutting-edge technology and develop professional relationships, problem-solving skills, and practical experience in a full-time work environment. This is a 12-week, onsite internship in the Pottstown, Pennsylvania office focused on UXS / VideoRay products. The position supports the design and operation of manufacturing systems for AV Unmanned Air Vehicles. Under the guidance of experienced manufacturing engineers, the intern will help analyze production processes and data, optimize manufacturing workflows, and contribute to continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. The internship offers hands-on experience in manufacturing process design, factory planning, and production support. Students who are willing to relocate may be eligible for a relocation and housing reimbursement stipend, depending on team and location.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or a related engineering field.
• Some coursework or experience related to manufacturing, process improvement, or quality control.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Ability to travel occasionally to supplier sites, up to 10%.
• Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be a person who can be approved for an export license; some positions may require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.
• Ability to work in an office environment and sit or stand for extended periods, with frequent use of computers and office equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Preference for students at the junior level or above.
• Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
• Basic knowledge of electro-mechanical manufacturing, technical drawings, and Bill of Materials.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with Visio, Minitab, or CAD software such as SolidWorks is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Interest in root cause analysis and continuous improvement techniques.
• Effective teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Initiative and responsibility for assigned work.
• Commitment to learning and professional growth.

Responsibilities

• Assist in supporting and improving manufacturing processes, focusing on efficiency and quality.
• Help implement Lean Manufacturing principles and apply Six Sigma methods to continuous improvement efforts.
• Analyze production data, including yields, capacity, cost, and process capability, to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support the establishment and documentation of standard work hours, sequences, and assembly procedures.
• Generate and update work instructions and other documentation controlling manufacturing processes.
• Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving activities related to materials, design, equipment, and personnel.
• Assist with manufacturing capacity planning and factory layout design.
• Support cost estimation for new tooling, fixtures, and production equipment.
• Collaborate with design engineering teams on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and reliability analysis.
• Participate in cross-functional improvement projects involving engineering and suppliers to improve cost, cycle time, and quality.
• Support Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Process FMEA (PFMEA) activities.
• Provide engineering input on manufacturing considerations for design concepts and specifications.
• Gain hands-on experience supporting production floor activities, including assembly and integration processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• 9/80 work schedule.
• Paid holiday shutdown.
• Depending on team and location, eligible relocating students may receive a relocation and housing reimbursement stipend.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern