Software Engineering Intern

AeroVironment • Minneapolis, MN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Software Engineering Intern participates in AeroVironment’s paid, 12-week Summer Internship Program, an onsite program for students currently enrolled in college or recent graduates. Interns work alongside AV team members on meaningful projects in the aerospace and defense industry, gaining hands-on experience, professional relationships, strategic problem-solving skills, and practical experience in a full-time work environment. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA; students at the junior level or above are preferred. Relocation and housing reimbursement stipends may be available depending on the team and location for students willing to relocate. Team, location, and program details are discussed during the interview process.

The intern joins a collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on real-world projects across AV’s technology portfolio. The role assists with designing, developing, and testing software for applications such as ground control systems, user interfaces, data pipelines, and simulation tools. Interns learn from experienced engineers and contribute to projects while applying software development skills in a hands-on environment.

The position requires access to information subject to ITAR and/or EAR regulations. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under those regulations or be eligible for an export license. Some positions require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements. The posting also states that ITAR U.S. citizenship is required and that applicants must be willing to work on government contracts and able to obtain a security clearance.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 3.0 GPA.
• Foundational knowledge of programming languages such as Python, C++, or Java.
• Familiarity with development tools such as Visual Studio, Git, Eclipse, or similar IDEs.
• Experience with data structures, algorithms, and software design principles.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be eligible for an export license; the posting also states that ITAR U.S. citizenship is required.
• Must be willing to work on government contracts and able to obtain a security clearance.

Nice To Haves

• Preference for students at the junior level or above.
• Experience with software development on Linux, Windows, or cross-platform environments.
• Exposure to web technologies, cloud platforms, or backend services.
• Interest in or exposure to robotics, autonomous systems, or data analytics.
• Experience using scripting languages such as Bash or Python to automate tasks.
• Knowledge of Agile development practices and version control such as Git.
• Curiosity and willingness to learn new technologies and frameworks.
• Ability to take ownership of tasks and contribute to team goals.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the design, coding, testing, and debugging of software components and systems.
• Contribute to developing tools and applications that support AV robotics and aerospace platforms.
• Collaborate with software, hardware, and systems engineers to integrate and test new capabilities.
• Participate in code reviews and documentation, and use version control and defect tracking tools.
• Help develop scripts or automation to improve team workflows and efficiency.
• Learn and apply software development best practices, including Agile methodologies.
• Support development of prototypes, simulations, and proof-of-concept demonstrations.
• Attend team meetings, contribute ideas, and learn to estimate development effort and timelines.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• 401(k) with company matching.
• 9/80 work schedule.
• Paid holiday shutdown.
• Potential relocation and housing reimbursement stipend, depending on team and location, for students willing to relocate.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern