Summer 2027 Machine Learning Intern

Worker Type

Job Description

Summer Internship Program
Our paid Summer Internship Program is designed to provide students with an immersive, hands-on experience within the aerospace and defense industry. Interns work alongside AV team members on meaningful projects involving cutting-edge technology while developing professional relationships, strategic problem-solving skills, and practical experience in a full-time work environment.

This is a 12-week, onsite program intended for highly motivated and passionate students who are currently enrolled in college or are recent graduates. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, with a preference for students at the junior level or above.

Our program has been recognized by Yello and WayUp as one of the Top 100 Internship Programs in the United States for multiple years.

Depending on the team and location, students who are willing to relocate for their internship may be eligible for a relocation and housing reimbursement stipend.

AV offers internship opportunities across various teams and locations throughout the United States. Specific team, location, and program details will be discussed during the interview process.

As a Machine Learning Intern, you will have the opportunity to support the R&D Group at AV in developing innovative computer vision solutions for defense and commercial applications. You will contribute to small, focused design teams working on detection, classification, localization, and tracking technologies. This internship will expose you to various stages of the development process including concept design, prototyping, testing, and evaluation.

Position Responsibilities

• Support the development of computer vision and machine learning algorithms for detecting, classifying, localizing, and tracking objects-of-interest using UAV-mounted gimballed cameras.

• Assist in writing and testing software to integrate ML algorithms into aircraft systems (e.g., autopilots, payloads, robotic platforms).

• Explore and visualize data to understand distribution patterns and potential anomalies.

• Assist in implementing machine learning systems and validating designs through experiments.

• Help define objectives, develop models, and track their performance using metrics.

• Perform data analysis tasks using AV tools and industry-standard platforms.

• Help manage project resources such as datasets, hardware, and time to support project timelines.

• Contribute to the evaluation of ML algorithm performance and model deployment strategies.

• Participate in data preparation activities, including cleaning and transformation.

• Assist in error analysis and developing corrective strategies.

• Research and experiment with appropriate ML algorithms and tools.

• Support running tests and experiments on selected datasets and data representations.

• Follow standard procedures to analyze data and support development tasks.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

• Currently pursuing a BS in Computer Vision, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.

• Familiarity with C/C++ and MATLAB.

• Proficiency with office productivity tools.

• Basic troubleshooting skills for technical systems.

Other Skills & Qualifications

• Exposure to deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, Keras).

• Familiarity with Python and libraries such as scikit-learn and pandas.

• Experience with data visualization and handling large datasets.

• Exposure to OpenCV and working in a Linux environment.

• Understanding of key concepts in:

  • Machine learning

  • Computer vision

  • Mathematical optimization

  • Data mining

  • Predictive analytics

• Ability to assist in selecting hardware/software for model deployment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Effective communication and teamwork skills.

• Strong initiative and eagerness to learn in a fast-paced R&D environment.

• Willingness to take ownership of tasks and learn from feedback.

• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work independently under supervision.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office and lab environment.

• May be required to sit or stand for long periods, use hands/fingers for computer and communication tasks.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants will be asked to provide specific documentation to verify U.S. person status under the ITAR and the EAR. A “U.S. person” according to their definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee, or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

Who We Are

Based in California, AeroVironment (AVAV) is a global leader in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Founded in 1971 by celebrated physicist and engineer, Dr. Paul MacCready, we’ve been at the leading edge of technical innovation for more than 45 years. Be a part of the team that developed the world’s most widely used military drones and created the first submarine-launched reconnaissance drone, and has seven innovative vehicles that are part of the Smithsonian Institution’s permanent collection in Washington, DC.

Join us today in developing the next generation of small UAS and tactical missile systems that will deliver more actionable intelligence to our customers so they can proceed with certainty – and succeed.

What We Do

Building on a history of technological innovation, AeroVironment designs, develops, produces, and supports an advanced portfolio of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical missile systems. Agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense and allied military services use the company’s hand-launched UAS to provide situational awareness to tactical operating units through real-time, airborne reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR