Manufacturing Engineering Intern

AeroVironment • Petaluma, CA

12d • Onsite

About The Position

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

This is a paid, 12-week, onsite summer internship for students currently enrolled in college or recent graduates. Interns work alongside AV team members on meaningful projects involving aerospace and defense technology, while developing professional relationships, problem-solving skills, and practical experience in a full-time work environment. Students willing to relocate may be eligible for a relocation and housing reimbursement stipend, depending on the team and location. Specific team, location, and program details will be discussed during the interview process.

Applicants must meet ITAR/EAR requirements: they must qualify as a U.S. person or be eligible for an export license. Some positions require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements; the posting also states “ITAR U.S. Citizenship 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%.
• Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be eligible for an export license; some positions require current U.S. citizenship, and the posting states ITAR U.S. Citizenship required.
• Ability to work in an office environment; sit or stand for extended periods and frequently use computer and office equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Junior-level standing or above is preferred.
• 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, and Outlook).
• Experience with Visio, Minitab, or CAD software such as SolidWorks.
• 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 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 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, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• 9/80 work schedule.
• Paid holiday shutdown.
• Potential relocation and housing reimbursement stipend for eligible interns willing to relocate, depending on team and location.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern