Drone Systems Engineering Intern

Overview

Planned Systems International (PSI) is an Enterprise IT services company who focuses on designing, building, securing, and operating cutting-edge software solutions that drive mission success and operational excellence for Federal Government organizations. PSI is currently seeking a Drone Systems Engineering Intern for Summer 2026 to support the development of a next-generation modular drone system with a 200-mile range, designed for operation in DDIL (Denied, Degraded, Intermittent, or Limited) communication environments. This internship offers a hands-on opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge prototyping, integration, and validation efforts within an agile, cross-functional engineering team.

In this role, you will assist with mechanical and/or electrical subsystem design using industry-standard CAD or PCB tools such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and KiCAD. You’ll actively contribute to rapid prototyping activities including 3D printing, breadboarding, and sensor integration. Additional responsibilities include participating in system integration and bench testing, conducting hardware debug and sensor calibration, and supporting the creation of technical documentation such as design logs, test procedures, and bill of materials (BOM) tracking.

You’ll also gain experience in an agile development environment by attending sprint meetings and contributing to collaborative engineering tasks. The role includes the opportunity to research FAA and regulatory compliance as it pertains to small UAVs, adding to the breadth of your exposure.

This internship is ideal for candidates passionate about drones, autonomous systems, and rapid hardware development. You’ll build valuable technical skills, including CAD modeling, embedded systems experience, familiarity with communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C), and a working knowledge of languages like Python, MATLAB, or C/C++. You will maintain a running Intern portfolio to track progress and showcase your technical contributions over the course of the internship.

Essential Functions and Job Responsibilities

• Hands on experience with:

  • Mechanical and electrical CAD tools

  • Embedded systems and programming (e.g., Arduino, STM32, ESP32)

  • Communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C)

  • Python, MATLAB, and C/C++

• Assist in the mechanical and/or electrical subsystem design using CAD or PCB tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, KiCAD, etc.).

• Support rapid prototyping efforts (e.g., 3D printing, breadboarding, sensor integration).

• Participate in system integration and bench testing, including hardware debug and sensor calibration.

• Contribute to documentation efforts, including design logs, test procedures, and BOM tracking.

• Collaborate in agile development meetings and contribute to sprint tasks.

• Conduct research on FAA/regulatory compliance topics as they relate to small UAVs.

Minimum Requirements

• Enrolled in a college undergraduate program. Majors such as Mechanical Engineering are preferred.
• Basic experience with mechanical or electrical CAD tools.
• Exposure to embedded systems or programming (e.g., Arduino, STM32, ESP32).
• Familiarity with common communication protocols (UART, SPI, I2C).
• Knowledge of Python, MATLAB, or C/C++ is a plus.
• Interest in drones, autonomous systems, and rapid hardware development.
• Must have successfully completed one year of an accredited university/college with salient courseware to support meaningful contributions to systems engineering requirements for project.

Company Benefits

PSI offers full-time, benefits eligible employees a competitive total compensation package that includes paid leave, and options for employer sponsored group medical, dental, vision, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, AD&D coverage, legal services, identity theft, and accident insurance. Flexible spending account and health saving account options offer pre-tax savings for qualified medical, dental, and vision expenses. The company sponsored 401(k) retirement plan has an employer contribution match that is immediately vested. We invest in the professional growth of our employees through professional courses, certifications, and tuition reimbursement programs.

EEO Commitment

It is company policy to promote equal employment opportunities. All personnel decisions, including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination, are made without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities will be provided. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Human Resources by emailing HRDepartment@plan-sys.com, or by dialing 703-575-8400.