Worker Type
Supplemental
Job Description
Electrical Engineering Intern – RF & Hardware (Counter-UAS)
Summary
As an Electrical Engineering Intern on our Counter-UAS team, you’ll contribute to the design, development, and testing of RF and electronic hardware for systems that detect, track, and defeat unmanned aircraft. You’ll work alongside engineers across RF front-end design, PCB design, firmware, and production engineering. You’ll support hardware bring-up, build and improve test equipment, write test software, and troubleshoot real hardware, gaining experience across the full lifecycle from prototype to production.
This is an opportunity to apply your academic training to a fielded defense product in a fast-paced environment, with close mentorship from experienced RF and hardware engineers.
This position will work onsite in our San Diego office.
Position Responsibilities
Assist in the design, bring-up, and debugging of RF and mixed-signal PCBAs, including RF front-end circuits such as LNAs, filters, power amplifiers, and switches
Perform RF measurements and characterization using spectrum analyzers, signal generators, vector network analyzers, and power meters
Help develop and maintain automated test software (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
Learn and apply engineering best practices, configuration management, and documentation standards
Collaborate with systems, software, mechanical, and manufacturing teams
Perform other related duties as assigned to support ongoing engineering efforts
Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)
Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
Coursework or project experience in one or more of the following: RF/microwave circuits, antennas, or electromagneticsAnalog and digital circuit designEmbedded systems, FPGA, or software-defined radioPCB design and assembly
Familiarity with communication interfaces such as 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
Effective communication skills and ability to work well in a team
Preferred Qualifications & Competencies
Experience with RF test equipment (spectrum analyzer, VNA, signal generator)
Familiarity with RF concepts such as S-parameters, impedance matching, noise figure, gain, and link budgets
PCB design experience in Altium or a similar ECAD tool
Experience with SDR platforms (e.g., USRP, HackRF, PlutoSDR) or GNU Radio/MATLAB signal processing
Soldering, rework, and prototyping skills
Experience with Git, test automation, or instrument control (e.g., PyVISA, SCPI)
Interest in RF systems, electronic warfare, aerospace, or defense
Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and willingness to learn
Ability to manage time effectively and adapt in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
Physical Demands
Ability to work in office, lab, and light manufacturing/test environments (Constant)
Required to sit, stand, and use computer and lab equipment for extended periods (Frequent)
May be required to lift and carry up to 10 lbs. (Occasional)
May support outdoor field testing (Occasional)
Clearance Level
No Clearance
The salary range for this role is:
AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities,…