Manufacturing Engineering Intern

AeroVironment • Petaluma, CA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Manufacturing Engineering Intern supports the design and operation of manufacturing systems for AV Unmanned Air Vehicles. Working under the guidance of experienced manufacturing engineers, the intern assists with production-process and data analysis, manufacturing workflow optimization, and continuous-improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. The internship offers hands-on experience in manufacturing process design, factory planning, and production support.

This is a paid, 12-week, onsite summer internship intended for students currently enrolled in college or recent graduates. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA; students at the junior level or above are preferred. Interns work alongside AV team members on meaningful projects and develop professional relationships, problem-solving skills, and practical experience in a full-time work environment. Team, location, and program details are discussed during the interview process. Depending on team and location, interns willing to relocate may be eligible for a relocation and housing reimbursement stipend.

The role may involve occasional travel to supplier sites, up to 10%. It requires access to information regulated by ITAR and/or EAR; applicants must qualify as a U.S. person or be eligible for an export license. U.S. citizenship is required for some positions, and the posting also states U.S. citizenship is required.

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%.
• Ability to work in an office environment and sit or stand for extended periods, using computer and office equipment frequently.
• Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be eligible for an export license; the posting states U.S. citizenship is required.

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 Bills 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.
• Demonstrated 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.
• Help generate and update work instructions and other documentation controlling manufacturing processes.
• Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving related to materials, design, equipment, and personnel.
• Assist with manufacturing capacity planning and factory layout design to improve efficiency.
• 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 with 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 assembly and integration activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k) with company matching
• 9/80 work schedule
• Paid holiday shutdown
• Relocation and housing reimbursement stipend may be available to eligible interns depending on team and location

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Intern