Engineering Intern - Navigation & Sensor Fusion

Join a high-impact engineering team at AEVEX Aerospace working at the intersection of robotics, computer vision, and resilient navigation. As a summer intern, you'll support real-world projects focused on enabling autonomous systems to navigate confidently in environments where GPS is degraded or denied. This internship offers hands-on experience across the full development cycle-from sensor data collection and algorithm prototyping to hardware integration and live flight testing.

We are seeking a highly motivated engineering student to join our team for the summer. As an intern, you will have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research and development in robotics, autonomous navigation, and sensor fusion. You will contribute to real-world projects, applying your skills in algorithm design, machine learning, and embedded systems to enhance autonomy in challenging conditions.

Essential Functions

• Assist in the development and testing of software for sensor data acquisition and multi-sensor fusion (e.g., IMUs, cameras, GNSS, LiDAR)
• Support integration of novel navigation hardware and software onto AEVEX platforms, including embedded systems and edge devices
• Participate in test and evaluation campaigns, including live flight tests at AEVEX test facilities
• Conduct data reduction and analysis during and after flight testing to validate system performance
• Prototype and validate computer vision or deep learning-based techniques for localization, mapping, and estimation
• Contribute to simulations and software testing using environments like ROS, Gazebo, or CARLA
• Collaborate with engineers in autonomy, perception, and embedded systems across defense and aerospace applications
• Perform other duties as required.

Standard Essential Functions

• Regular and reliable attendance on a full time basis [or in accordance with posted schedule].
• Responsible for exhibiting professional behavior with both internal and external business associates that reflects positively on the company and is consistent with the company's policies and practices.
• Embodies AEVEX's cultural values and aligns daily actions with department goals and company culture.

Qualifications

• Familiarity with navigation algorithms, Kalman filtering, or SLAM is a plus
• Exposure to embedded platforms (e.g., NVIDIA Jetson) or real-time sensor systems is highly valued
• Comfortable working with both software tools and physical hardware
• Strong analytical and communication skills

Education / Certifications

• Pursuing a B.S., M.S., or PhD in Computer Engineering, Robotics, Electrical/Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, or related fields

Experience

• Hands-on experience with C++, Python, and libraries like OpenCV, ROS, or PyTorch preferred.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties the employee is:

• Frequently required to sit, and to reach to use computers and other office equipment

Security Clearance

• Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret DoD clearance, U.S. Citizenship required.

About AEVEX

AEVEX, headquartered in Solana Beach, California, supports the U.S. national security mission and partner nation needs around the world by providing full-spectrum aviation, remote sensing, and analysis solutions. The company's capabilities include custom design and engineering; rapid prototyping; sensor integration and sustainment; aircraft modification and certification; flight test instrumentation and support; mission operations service; advanced intelligence data processing, exploitation, and dissemination solutions; and tailored hardware and software mission-system tools. AEVEX uses agile and customized approaches to rapidly define, develop, and deliver specialized solutions for airborne special mission needs for the U.S. Government, partner nations, and commercial businesses. AEVEX has major offices in California, Florida, North Carolina, Ohio, and Virginia.

AEVEX provides a full suite of comprehensive benefits, including a 401(k)-retirement plan, comprehensive Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability and Life insurance group coverage with a portion of the premiums paid by the company, professional development funds, and an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) with counseling, legal help, child and elder care support, among other benefits for qualified employees.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

AEVEX is an Equal Opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, religious creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, breast feeding and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, military and veteran status, marital status, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, physical disability, mental disability, or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable federal, state and local laws.

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