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Intern Autonomous Vehicle Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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Intern Autonomous Vehicle information

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$9

$17

$25

How much do intern autonomous vehicle jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for intern autonomous vehicle in Virginia is $17.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $19.09 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an intern in autonomous vehicles do?

An Intern in Autonomous Vehicles typically assists with the development, testing, and evaluation of self-driving car technologies. Their responsibilities may include working with sensor data, helping write and debug code, and supporting research on vehicle perception, planning, or control systems. Interns may also participate in field tests, data analysis, and collaboration with engineers to improve vehicle safety and performance. This role offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and exposure to multidisciplinary teams working on the future of transportation.

What types of projects or tasks can an intern in autonomous vehicles expect to work on during their internship?

As an Intern in Autonomous Vehicles, you can expect to be involved in a variety of hands-on projects, such as data collection and analysis for sensor systems, supporting the development and testing of perception or control algorithms, and assisting with simulation or real-world testing of autonomous platforms. You’ll typically work within a multidisciplinary team, collaborating with experienced engineers and researchers to solve real-world challenges. This role offers a great opportunity to gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies and workflows, while also building practical skills that are highly valued in the autonomous vehicle industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intern in autonomous vehicles, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intern in Autonomous Vehicles, you need a solid background in computer science, engineering, or robotics, with coursework or projects in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or control systems. Familiarity with programming languages like Python or C++, simulation tools such as ROS (Robot Operating System), and relevant certifications in autonomous systems are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication set standout candidates apart in collaborative research and development environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for contributing meaningfully to cutting-edge autonomous vehicle projects and ensuring safety, innovation, and technical excellence.

What is the difference between Intern Autonomous Vehicle vs Intern Robotics Engineer?

AspectIntern Autonomous VehicleIntern Robotics Engineer
Required CredentialsRelevant coursework in autonomous systems, programming, engineeringBackground in robotics, mechanical/electrical engineering, programming
Work EnvironmentAutonomous vehicle labs, testing sites, software development teamsRobotics labs, manufacturing facilities, research centers
Industry UsageAutomotive, transportation, mobility servicesManufacturing, research, automation industries
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Intern Autonomous Vehicle roles focus on developing and testing self-driving car technologies, often within automotive or mobility companies. Intern Robotics Engineer positions involve designing and building robotic systems across various industries. While both roles require programming and engineering skills, the Autonomous Vehicle internship is specialized in vehicle automation, whereas Robotics Engineering covers a broader range of robotic applications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Autonomous Vehicle jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Autonomous Vehicle jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Intern Autonomous Vehicle jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Intern Autonomous Vehicle job openings:

2027 Guidance Navigation and Control Intern Dulles VA

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Dulles, VA

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 hours ago

Posted today


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

90th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: Relocation assistance may be availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: NoneTRAVEL: NoDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

An internship at Northrop Grumman is unique. Sure, you'll learn new skills, explore our enterprise, network with experts, connect with thought leaders, and finish with a resume that opens doors. But you'll gain something even more valuable: pride in what you've done.

Northrop Grumman is seeking Guidance Navigation and Control to join the Space Systems Intern Program. This position will be located in Dulles, VA.

GNC is designing, building, testing spacecraft components for a mix of DoD, NASA, and commercial customers. We are leaders in innovative solutions to the rapidly growing/evolving fields of space based autonomous rendezvous and docking and rapid design/production of small satellites. We are seeking a highly-talented and ambitious Engineer to take responsibility for the attitude control solutions that meet our spacecraftrequirements. The spacecraft GNC analysis engineer will work within the GNC subsystem team and under the supervision of the GNC subsystem lead.
Depending on the engineer's strengths and areas of interest, an engineer may choose to focus on one of two areas GNC analysis or GNC components (or some combination).
A spacecraft GNC analysis engineer is expected to:
Design, analyze, and tune spacecraft attitude and position control loops using time and frequency domain techniques
Design, analyze, and tune sequential filters (e.g. Kalman filters) for attitude determination and relative navigation
Analyze and test the spacecraft GNC subsystem performance using simulations and other analytic tools
Implement GNC algorithms in flight software and support flight software qualification testing
Perform analysis to support early design phase concept development including actuator sizing and placement, sensor selection and placement, and predicted performance assessments
Develop simulation models for sensors (e.g. star tracker, rate gyro, accelerometer, GPS, magnetometer, sun sensors), actuators (e.g. reaction wheel, torque bar, thruster, CMG), system dynamics (e.g. rigid body, multi-body, orbit mechanics, flexible models), and the space environment (e.g. atmospheric, solar radiation pressure, third-body gravity, geopotential)
A spacecraft GNC component engineer is expected to:
Perform GNC component trade studies (including make/buy trades and supplier identification/research). These components may include but are not limited to star cameras, lidars, GPS receivers, sun sensors, reaction wheels, IR cameras, and space based visible cameras.
Work with the subcontracts/supply chain team as the technical lead to manage procurements including documentation and design reviews
Work with the team to integrate and test all spacecraft GNC components
Work closely with multiple suppliers, across multiple subsystems, presenting to managers and customers. Communication is a key element of your role
All GNC engineers are expected to:
Apply engineering principles, industry standards, company process, and knowledge of vehicle dynamics, aerodynamics, propulsion, classical/modern control, and estimation theory to perform tasks to advanced program/project goals
Document designs, analysis, and test results and create presentation materials
Present designs, analysis, and test results to internal and external customers
Work well within small- to medium-sized groups

Basic Qualifications:

A candidate, regardless of age and hiring source, must meet ALL of the below criteria. The candidate must:

  • Be enrolled full-time and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited college/university AND graduating after Fall 2027

  • Be majoring in Aerospace Engineering, Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering

  • Be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for at least 10 weeks during summer 2027

  • Be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship is a pre-requisite)

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance

  • MS or PhD degree in engineering, physics, or math

  • Minimum overall GPA of 3.7

  • Proficiency in MATLAB/Simulink and C/C++

  • Experience in spacecraft GNC subsystem design, analysis, and testing

  • Experience implementing GNC algorithms on embedded systems

  • Prior work experience in related field

  • Proficiency in Microsoft office suite, version control tools such as SVN or Git

  • Experience with Model Based Systems engineering, digital transformation tools such as the Atlassian suite.

  • Previous/current membership or leadership roles in professional groups, clubs, or extracurricular activities is desired

  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939