Software Engineering Intern

AeroVironment • Minneapolis, MN

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Software Engineering Intern participates in a paid, 12-week, onsite Summer Internship Program for college students or recent graduates. Interns work with AV team members on meaningful projects in the aerospace and defense industry, gaining practical experience, professional relationships, and strategic problem-solving skills in a full-time work environment. The program offers opportunities across teams and locations in the United States; team, location, and program details are discussed during interviews. Depending on the team and location, interns willing to relocate may be eligible for a relocation and housing reimbursement stipend.

As part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, the intern contributes to real-world projects across AV’s technology portfolio. The work includes assisting with software design, development, and testing for applications such as ground control systems, user interfaces, data pipelines, and simulation tools. The intern learns from experienced engineers and contributes to projects while developing software skills in a hands-on environment.

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 a programming language 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.
• Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR/EAR or be eligible for an export license; some positions require current U.S. citizenship due to contract requirements.
• 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 designing, coding, testing, and debugging software components and systems.
• Contribute to tools and applications supporting 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 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 for eligible interns willing to relocate, depending on team and location.

What This Job Offers

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