Washington Operations Intern

About the role

Our paid Summer Internship Program is a 12‑week, onsite experience designed for highly motivated and passionate students who are currently enrolled in college or are recent graduates. Interns work alongside AV team members on meaningful projects involving cutting‑edge technology while developing professional relationships, strategic problem‑solving skills, and practical experience in a full‑time work environment. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, with a preference for students at the junior level or above. The program has been recognized by Yello and WayUp as one of the Top 100 Internship Programs in the United States for multiple years. Depending on the team and location, students who are willing to relocate may be eligible for a relocation and housing reimbursement stipend. AV offers internship opportunities across various teams and locations throughout the United States; specific team, location, and program details will be discussed during the interview process.

AV is seeking a Washington Operations Intern to support our government relations and marketing efforts in Arlington, VA. This on‑site role involves compiling daily analyses of political news, legislative and regulatory activities, and updates on defense authorization and appropriations. The intern will assist the Legislative Affairs Manager with all congressional activities, helping AV educate and advocate within the federal resource allocation process.

Responsibilities

• Support the Legislative Affairs team with content creation, knowledge management, briefing materials, and engagement tracking.
• Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory activities, including congressional hearings and meetings.
• Assist with planning and preparation for executive engagements in the Washington, DC area.
• Assist with planning and preparation for visits by Members of Congress and staff to AV facilities.
• Help coordinate the execution of the AV Political Action Committee.
• Support AV’s legislative affairs strategy to facilitate strategic business growth initiatives, including engagement strategy with Members of Congress, committees, and other stakeholders to increase support for AV customer programs.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Currently pursuing a degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or a related field.
• Maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in current degree program.
• Strong interest in government relations, public policy, and advocacy.
• Excellent research, writing, and analytical skills, with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Previous internship experience, including interactions with business managers and customers (preferred).
• Familiarity with legislative processes and government organization (preferred).

Physical Demands

Ability to work in an office environment (constant). Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent).

Special Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder) is required.
• Occasional travel may be required within the Continental U.S.
• No security clearance required.
• Position requires compliance with ITAR and/or EAR; applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under those regulations.

Benefits

AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule, and a paid holiday shutdown.

About AV

AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission‑obsessed. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI‑powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of unmanned systems, with seven platforms in the Smithsonian. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and welcome all qualified applicants.