About the role#
As a Manufacturing Engineering Intern, you will support the design and operation of manufacturing systems for unmanned air vehicles. You will work alongside experienced engineers to analyze production processes, optimize workflows, and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives. This 12-week, on-site program provides hands-on experience in manufacturing process design, factory planning, and production support.
What you'll do#
- Improve manufacturing processes with a focus on efficiency and quality.
- Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and apply Six Sigma methods.
- Analyze production data including yields, capacity, cost, and process capability.
- Establish and document standard work hours, sequences, and assembly procedures.
- Generate and update work instructions for manufacturing processes.
- Participate in root cause analysis and problem-solving for materials, design, equipment, and personnel.
- Assist in manufacturing capacity planning and factory layout design.
- Support cost estimation for new tooling, fixtures, and production equipment.
- Collaborate with design teams on Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and reliability analysis.
- Participate in cross-functional improvement projects with engineering and suppliers.
- Support Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (DFMEA) and Process FMEA (PFMEA) activities.
- Provide input to engineering regarding manufacturing considerations for design concepts.
- Support production floor activities, including assembly and integration.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial, Mechanical, or a related engineering field.
- Minimum 3.0 GPA.
- Coursework or experience in manufacturing, process improvement, or quality control.
- Familiarity with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles.
- Knowledge of electro-mechanical manufacturing, technical drawings, and Bill of Materials.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Experience with Visio, Minitab, or CAD software such as SolidWorks.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and demonstrate initiative.
- Ability to travel to supplier sites up to 10% of the time.
- Must qualify as a U.S. person under ITAR and EAR regulations.
Location & details#
- Location: Petaluma, California.
- Term: Summer 2027.
- Modality: On-site.
- Employment: Full-time internship.
- Compensation: Paid position.
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
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