Summer 2026 Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Intern at AeroVironment

Simi Valley, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

InternshipExperience Level

InternshipJob Type

UnknownVisa

AerospaceIndustries

Requirements

Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field
Completed coursework in one or more of the following areas: GN&C, flight dynamics, control systems, embedded systems, or robotics
Strong interest in aircraft systems, GN&C, and aerospace engineering
Basic proficiency in MATLAB, Simulink, or similar modeling tools (preferred)
Effective communication skills and a collaborative attitude
Must be eligible to work in the U.S. and willing to travel domestically (up to 10–20%, if needed)
Qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and/or EAR, or eligible for export license approval

Responsibilities

Assist in the design and development of GN&C systems for current and future aircraft projects
Support system testing, including simulation environments (e.g., SIL/HIL) and basic flight test preparations
Help implement and test basic flight control algorithms under supervision
Participate in subsystem integration and data analysis activities
Support engineering documentation and report writing
Collaborate with engineering and test teams to troubleshoot and validate technical solutions
Learn and apply engineering processes and tools relevant to flight systems
Perform other duties or learning assignments as needed

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

GN&CFlight TestingSILHILFlight Control AlgorithmsSystem IntegrationData AnalysisSimulation EnvironmentsSubsystem IntegrationEngineering Documentation

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What qualifications are required for the GNC Engineering Intern position?

Candidates must be currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field, with completed coursework in GN&C, flight dynamics, control systems, embedded systems, or robotics, plus strong interest in aircraft systems and effective communication skills.

Is this internship remote or does it require a specific location?

The internship is hiring for various roles and locations throughout the U.S., with specific details regarding the team and location discussed during the interview process.

What does the internship program offer in terms of experience and environment?

The highly selective Summer Internship Program simulates a full-time job with hands-on work on cutting-edge technology, meaningful projects, relationship-building, and strategic problem-solving in a fast-paced R&D environment, with personalized attention due to hosting only a handful of interns each year.

What are the preferred qualifications for this intern role?

Preferred qualifications include familiarity with PCB design, embedded programming, HIL testing, or flight software development, plus hands-on project experience with control systems or autonomous vehicles like drones or robotics, and enthusiasm for learning and contributing to aerospace projects.

What makes a strong candidate for this GNC Engineering Internship?

Strong candidates will have relevant coursework, hands-on project experience in control systems or robotics, proficiency in tools like MATLAB/Simulink, a collaborative attitude, and enthusiasm for aerospace projects, as the program values motivated students who can contribute to real-world GN&C systems.

AeroVironment

Develops autonomous robotic systems for defense

About AeroVironment

AeroVironment develops and sells autonomous robotic systems that can perform various missions without human intervention. These systems are designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce risks to personnel, and provide valuable data to users. The company primarily serves government agencies, defense organizations, and commercial clients, focusing on the defense and aerospace sectors. AeroVironment stands out from its competitors by emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility in its business practices, which not only helps the environment but also builds loyalty among employees and customers. The company's goal is to lead the market in intelligent robotic systems while promoting sustainable practices and creating new business opportunities.

Monrovia, CaliforniaHeadquarters

1971Year Founded

$20.3MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Robotics & Automation, Aerospace, DefenseIndustries

501-1,000Employees