Aeronautical Engineering Intern — UAV Design & Prototyping (VTOL / Fixed-Wing)

Aeronautical Engineering Intern — UAV Design & Prototyping (VTOL / Fixed-Wing)

Location: Remote
Company: Nano IC (Stealth AI & Aerospace Startup)

About the Role

We are developing a next-generation high-speed VTOL fixed-wing UAV capable of transitioning between vertical takeoff and efficient forward flight for real-world applications such as high-speed tracking and aerial imaging.

We are seeking highly motivated Aeronautical Engineering Interns to contribute to the design, analysis, and prototyping of this platform. This is a hands-on role with direct exposure to real engineering challenges in UAV systems.

What You Will Work On

• Design and analysis of fixed-wing VTOL (tailsitter / hybrid) UAV architectures
• Aerodynamic modeling of wings, control surfaces, and propulsion integration
• Propulsion system integration (multi-motor configurations, thrust modeling)
• Stability and control analysis, including transition flight dynamics
• CAD design of airframe components (fuselage, wing, nacelles, mounts)
• Support in prototype fabrication and assembly
• Testing and iteration based on real flight and bench data

Key Technical Areas

• Aerodynamics (low Reynolds number, high-speed regimes)
• Flight dynamics and control (especially VTOL transition)
• UAV propulsion systems (electric motors, propellers, power systems)
• Structural design (lightweight composite or hybrid structures)
• System integration (avionics, sensors, power distribution)

Qualifications

• Pursuing a degree in Aeronautical, Aerospace, or Mechanical Engineering
• Strong understanding of aerodynamics and flight mechanics
• Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, CATIA, or similar)
• Basic knowledge of propulsion systems and UAV design
• Hands-on experience (projects, clubs, RC aircraft, drones) is highly valued
• Ability to think critically and challenge assumptions (very important)

Nice to Have

• Experience with VTOL or fixed-wing UAVs
• Familiarity with simulation tools (XFLR5, OpenVSP, CFD tools)
• Experience with ArduPilot / PX4
• Exposure to composite materials or fabrication
• Programming skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar)

What Makes This Role Unique

• Work on a clean-sheet UAV design, not incremental improvements
• Direct exposure to real engineering trade-offs (aerodynamics vs control vs power)
• Opportunity to contribute to both design and physical build
• Small team, high ownership, fast iteration cycles

What We’re Looking For

We are not looking for someone to just “apply textbook knowledge.”

We are looking for someone who:

• Questions designs (like you did about pitch control and prop orientation)
• Thinks in terms of physics and feasibility
• Enjoys solving non-obvious engineering problems

How to Apply

Please send the followings to info@nano-ic.com

• Resume
• Short description of any hands-on projects (drones, aircraft, robotics, etc.)
• Optional: portfolio, CAD work, or simulation results