Business Development Intern - Space and Missile Defense

About the role

We are looking for a Business Development Intern to support customer discovery, government engagement, and strategic partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Support engagement with DoD customers, labs, and program offices
• Help prepare briefing materials, whitepapers, and proposals (SBIR, BAAs, RFPs)
• Track and analyze defense programs, budgets, and acquisition pathways
• Auxiliary partner and prime contractor outreach
• Conduct market and competitive analysis across defense and space domains
• Sit in on real customer calls, strategy discussions, and reviews
• Potential travel to military bases and conferences domestically

Requirements

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with ambiguity and fast-moving environments
• Interest in national security, defense acquisition, and emerging technology
• Ability to work in the U.S. (citizenship required)

Qualifications

• Prior service members strongly preferred, especially graduates of:
• The U.S. Air Force Academy
• The U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
• The U.S. Naval Academy
• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in engineering, policy, economics, business, or a related field

Skills

• Experience with DoD acquisition processes or program offices
• SBIR / STTR or government contracting experience
• Strategy, consulting, or defense policy knowledge
• Engineering background and ability to engage with engineers

Bonus points

• Experience with real national security problems
• Interest in learning how defense startups engage with the DoD from the inside
• Direct mentorship from founders
• High ownership, real responsibility, no busywork

Benefits

• Competitive compensation for interns
• 15-30 minute phone intro with CEO
• 1 hour phone deep dive with Wardstone advisor
• 1 hour in-person with CEO

Pay

$6K - $10K / monthly

Schedule

Full-time internship

Location

Los Angeles, CA, US