Aeronautics Drone Internship Summer 2026

Summary: Commonwealth of Massachusetts is seeking an intern for their Aeronautics Division to support the MassDOT Drone Program. The role involves working with various stakeholders to develop and evaluate drone projects that enhance transportation operations and optimize data management. Responsibilities: - Assist in the planning, implementation, execution, and evaluation of pilot programs to demonstrate how drones can contribute to existing MassDOT and MBTA use cases - Work with Highway personnel to determine how drone data can supplement design and construction projects - Work with rail personnel to determine how drone data can supplement regular rail inspections - Work with Aeronautics personnel to develop the workflow and to process data sets for using drones to survey obstructions at airport - Track an entire drone project from initial drone request to final dissemination of data products, and suggest process improvement based on feedback from the end users - Work with Drone Team data analysts to evaluate the process for ingesting, saving, securing, analyzing, and disseminating drone collected data and data products - Investigate how to integrate geospatial information systems (GIS) and artificial intelligence (AI) applications to transportation use cases. Example projects could include automatically tagging vegetation along railroad tracks using multi-spectral imaging data, or training AI algorithms to identify features that require more detailed inspection Required Qualifications: - Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively in a small and collaborative team environment - Demonstrated aptitude in written and verbal communication - Desire to innovate and think creatively - Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities - Excellent analytical skills - Knowledge of GIS applications or imagery analysis tools - For data position: knowledge of artificial intelligence tools or database management a plus - Proficiency in all Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, and in virtual collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, etc - Experience and interest in transit or transportation infrastructure a plus - Enrolled in a related Undergraduate or Graduate degree program such as Aeronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Aviation Planning, Public Administration, Computer Engineering, Cyber Security, Drone Technology, Project Management, etc - Graduate student preferred - This internship may require travel to the 10 Park Plaza, Boston, MA location - The operational position may require travel to project sites across the Commonwealth Preferred Qualifications: - Experience flying drones a plus, but not required Required Skills: GIS applications, Artificial intelligence tools, Data analysis Important Skills: Microsoft Excel Nice-to-Have Skills: Drone operation, Analytical skills, Interpersonal skills, Written communication, Verbal communication, Critical thinking, Problem-solving Internship Start Date: Start in 2026 Summer