Payload Electronics / UAV Systems Internship (Fall 2026 Intern)

Canvair — Payload Electronics / UAV Systems Internship (Fall 2026 Intern)

Everett. MA -Paid Internship

Applicants must be based in the Boston, MA area during Fall 2026 and able to commute to Boston as required. Candidates who are unable to commute to Boston will not be considered for this position.

About Canvair

Canvair is building aerial holographic display drones for sports, music festivals, live events, and brand activations. Our systems combine heavy-lift UAV platforms, custom LED payloads, embedded electronics, and real-world flight operations to create flying visual displays unlike anything else in the market.

We operate out of MassRobotics in Boston and are currently expanding our next-generation fleet.

Position Overview

We’re looking for a hands-on Payload Electronics / UAV Systems Intern to help develop, assemble, and test the electronics systems powering our aerial display platforms.

This is a highly practical engineering role for someone who enjoys building real hardware, solving problems quickly, and working directly on cutting-edge drone systems.

You’ll work closely with the founding team on:

• Custom payload electronics
• Power distribution systems
• Wiring harnesses
• Flight testing
• Embedded systems integration
• Rapid prototyping and debugging

This is not a purely CAD or simulation-based internship — we’re looking for someone excited to physically build and test systems in the real world.

Responsibilities

• Assemble and integrate UAV payload electronics
• Design and build wiring harnesses and power electronics systems
• Support electronics assembly and testing
• Assist with flight operations and field testing
• Prototype and test new hardware and electrical systems
• Troubleshoot electrical and systems-level issues
• Help improve reliability, modularity, and manufacturability of platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• At least 1 year of experience with power electronics, robotics, drones, or aerospace systems
• Comfortable soldering, wiring, and working with power tools and precision equipment
• Familiarity with power electronics, batteries, or DC systems
• Experience with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, CAN, UART, or similar systems is a plus
• Experience with UAVs, FPV systems, or RC platforms is a plus
• Strong problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn quickly
• Self-motivated and comfortable working in a startup environment

Bonus Experience

• PCB design
• Onshape / CAD
• ArduPilot / PX4
• LED systems or display technology

What You’ll Get

• Direct hands-on experience building advanced UAV payload systems
• Opportunity to work on real-world deployments and flight testing
• Exposure to aerospace, robotics, live events, and emerging media technology
• Fast-paced startup experience working directly with founders
• Access to the MassRobotics ecosystem and network

Details

• Paid internship
• Flexible hours
• Boston-based
• Part-time or full-time depending on availability

Pay: $20.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• power electronics, robotics, drones, or aerospace systems: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person