Summer 2027 Manufacturing Engineering Intern

AeroVironment•Dayton, OH

18h•Onsite

About The Position

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. As a Manufacturing Engineering Intern, you will support the design and operation of manufacturing systems for AV Unmanned Air Vehicles. Under the guidance of experienced manufacturing engineers, you will assist in analyzing production processes and data, help optimize manufacturing workflows, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. This internship provides hands-on experience in manufacturing process design, factory planning, and production support.

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
Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles is a plus
Basic knowledge of electro-mechanical manufacturing, technical drawings, and Bill of Materials is preferred
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); experience with Visio, Minitab, or CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) is a plus
Ability to travel occasionally to supplier sites (up to 10%)
Currently enrolled in college or are recent graduates
Minimum 3.0 GPA
Access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”)
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.

Nice To Haves

Preference for students at the junior level or above
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
Demonstrates initiative and responsibility for assigned work
Commitment to learning and professional growth

Responsibilities

Assist in supporting and improving manufacturing processes with a focus on efficiency and quality
Help implement Lean Manufacturing principles and apply Six Sigma methods to support continuous improvement efforts
Analyze production data such as yields, capacity, cost, and process capability to identify opportunities for improvement
Support establishment and documentation of standard work hours, sequences, and assembly procedures
Help 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 in manufacturing capacity planning and factory layout design for improved efficiency
Support cost estimation activities 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 enhance cost, cycle time, and quality
Support Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Process FMEA (PFMEA) activities
Provide input to engineering regarding manufacturing considerations for design concepts and specifications
Gain hands-on experience supporting production floor activities, including assembly and integration processes
Other duties as assigned