About the role#
As an Electrical Engineering Intern on the Counter-UAS team, you will contribute to the design, development, and testing of RF and electronic hardware for systems that detect, track, and defeat unmanned aircraft. You will work alongside engineers across RF front-end design, PCB design, firmware, and production engineering. This is an opportunity to apply your academic training to a fielded defense product while receiving mentorship from experienced engineers.
What you'll do#
- Assist in the design, bring-up, and debugging of RF and mixed-signal PCBAs, including RF front-end circuits like LNAs, filters, power amplifiers, and switches.
- Perform RF measurements and characterization using spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers, and power meters.
- Develop and maintain automated test software using Python, C, C++, or C# for hardware validation and production test.
- Support the design, build, and calibration of test fixtures and stations used in development and production.
- Assist with schematic capture, layout reviews, and design documentation in Altium.
- Support firmware integration and testing on embedded processors and SDR/FPGA-based hardware.
- Participate in test plan creation, requirements verification, and environmental and performance testing.
- Assist production engineering with failure analysis, yield improvement, and resolving manufacturing issues.
- Collaborate with systems, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
- Coursework or project experience in RF/microwave circuits, antennas, or electromagnetics.
- Experience with analog and digital circuit design, embedded systems, FPGA, or software-defined radio.
- Familiarity with PCB design and assembly, plus communication interfaces like SPI, I2C, UART, USB, or Ethernet.
- Basic programming experience in Python, C, C++, or C#.
- Hands-on exposure to lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies.
- Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills with effective communication abilities.
- Preferred: Experience with RF test equipment, S-parameters, impedance matching, Altium, SDR platforms, soldering, and Git.
Location & details#
- Location: San Diego, California.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment: Full-time, paid internship.
- Note: This position requires access to information subject to ITAR/EAR compliance. Applicants must qualify as a U.S. person.
About AV
AV is a public company based in Arlington, Virginia, that specializes in defense and space manufacturing. The firm develops unmanned aircraft systems, ground robots, and software for autonomous platforms. It employs 3,034 people across multiple locations in the United States and Germany. The company focuses on integrated capabilities for modern defense missions.
How to get in at AV
Applying early to AV is a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published anywhere, so you apply among the first before the pile grows. This helps you avoid the frustration of submitting your resume to a crowded queue. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the right people. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a referral. It is a more effective approach than waiting for a system response.
