Humanitarian Engineering Internship Jobs in California

About Odys
Our mission at Odys is simple - we build safe, sustainable aircraft to cut travel time in half on the world's busiest corridors. Our flagship aircraft Alta enables travelers to skip the big-airport hassle by using city helipads and local airports to connect cities less than 1,000 miles apart (approx 40% of flights). And on average cut CO2 by 76% on tens of billions of flight miles globally.
To get there, we start with our UAV called Laila for commercial logistics, medical transport, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and defense missions. We're deploying aircraft with launch partners (Fiji Airways, Honeywell, Aramex, US Navy) beginning in 2026 and already have firm orders for aircraft under contract.
We're a team of expert engineers from deep tech and aerospace that focus on fast iterations loops (completed transition flight faster than our peers) combined with mastery of the aircraft certification process. Previously, our team developed custom drones, brought multiple automotive platforms into production, and electrified transportation vehicles that magnetically levitate, that roll, that fly. Together, we've been learning, developing, building, testing, and preparing for this challenge our entire lives.
About The Role
Odys Aviation is seeking a Mechanical Engineering Intern/Co-Op to support the Propulsion Team. We are looking for someone who can work onsite at our Long Beach office 30-40 hrs/week for at least 10 weeks.
In this role, you'll work closely with full-time engineers to design, build, and integrate mechanical hardware that supports electric and hybrid-electric propulsion systems, including motors, generators, inverters, and cooling hardware.
This is a hands-on internship where you'll own real engineering tasks and contribute directly to flight hardware development-from CAD to parts in hand to vehicle integration and testing.
What You'll Do

1. Design and update propulsion mechanical components and assemblies as we transition from prototype builds to low-rate production
2. Design hardware for bench testing and support hardware troubleshooting alongside propulsion engineers
3. Help resolve design, fit and integration issues discovered during early builds
4. Implement design improvements to simplify assembly, improve repeatability and reduce build time
5. Create and maintain CAD models and drawings, following process to ensure traceability of design changes
6. Assist with prototype and production hardware fabrication and assembly, learning firsthand how designs translate to the shop floor
7. Develop work instructions, fixtures or tooling as needed to support assembly
8. Document design changes, build feedback and lessons learned to support production ramp up

What We're Looking For

1. Currently pursuing a B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
2. Comfortable designing hardware using CAD (NX, SolidWorks, or similar)
3. Familiarity with common manufacturing processes; hands-on fabrication experience strongly preferred
4. Enjoys being hands-on-designing, building, and integrating real hardware
5. Able to work independently, take ownership of tasks, and ask good questions when needed
6. Strong curiosity, attention to detail, and desire to make a meaningful impact

Nice to Have

1. Participation in student project teams (UAVs, Formula SAE, robotics, rocketry, etc.)
2. Experience with rapid prototyping (3D printing, basic machining, shop tools)
3. Interest in propulsion systems, electric powertrains, or flight hardware