Undergraduate Research Intern

AeroVironment

2d•Onsite

About The Position

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV.

Requirements

Currently enrolled as an undergraduate student (Junior or Senior standing preferred) in a relevant field such as Engineering, Data Science, Physical Sciences, or Social Sciences.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and a high level of curiosity.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently on assigned tasks while remaining a reliable and proactive member of a collaborative team.
Must be willing to work on government contracts and have the ability to obtain a security clearance.
Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR regulations.

Nice To Haves

Basic experience with data analysis tools or programming languages (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or SQL) is a plus.

Responsibilities

Assist in gathering primary data through experiments, surveys, or literature reviews.
Maintain organized digital databases and physical logs to ensure data integrity.
Operate specialized equipment, software, or laboratory tools under supervision.
Set up and calibrate experimental apparatus as required by the project lead.
Conduct comprehensive searches of academic journals and industry reports to provide summaries of current trends and existing findings relevant to the research.
Draft preliminary reports, research summaries, and technical documentation.
Assist in the preparation of materials for presentations or publication.
Participate in regular team meetings to discuss progress, troubleshoot roadblocks, and contribute to brainstorming sessions for future research directions.