Supports business development for defense and space systems by engaging DoD customers, preparing proposals and briefing materials, analyzing defense programs and markets, and assisting with partner outreach. The intern will gain exposure to government acquisition, customer calls, strategy discussions, and defense startup operations. Domestic travel to military bases and conferences may occur.
Overview
What You’ll Work On
Who We’re Looking For
Why Wardstone
Compensation
Wardstone is a defense-tech startup building next-generation space and missile defense systems to protect the United States and its allies. We work closely with the Space Force and Air Force to move fast from concept to deployed capability.
We are looking for a Business Development Intern to support customer discovery, government engagement, and strategic partnerships.
We have a strong preference for candidates with prior military service working within the Air Force, Navy, or any other missile defense experience. Bonus points for graduates of U.S. military academies.
What You’ll Work On
- 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
- Assist with 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
- Bonus points for active clearance
This is a hands-on role with direct exposure to how early-stage defense companies work with government customers.
Who We’re Looking For
- Prior service members strongly preferred, especially graduates of:
- U.S. Air Force Academy
- U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
- U.S. Naval Academy
- Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in engineering, policy, economics, business, or a related field
- 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)
Bonus points for experience with:
- DoD acquisition processes or program offices
- SBIR / STTR or government contracting
- Strategy, consulting, or defense policy
- Engineering background and ability to engage with engineers
Why Wardstone
- Work on real national security problems with real customers
- Learn how defense startups engage with the DoD from the inside
- Direct mentorship from founders
- High ownership, real responsibility, no busywork
- Competitive compensation for interns
The base pay range for this role is $6,000 – $10,000 per month.
Similar Jobs
.png){kind=logo}
Digital Media
Supports the Corporate Business Development team through market and competitive research, financial analysis, transaction modeling, due diligence, senior-management presentations, and strategic projects involving potential joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, and new business opportunities. Works closely with senior executives while developing practical experience in entertainment-industry corporate development.
Music • News + Entertainment
Supports business development through partner prospecting, market and competitive research, pipeline tracking, internal reporting, partnership coordination, feedback organization, communications support, and white-label product testing. The intern also provides administrative support and completes a capstone project aligned with business development goals. The role requires an interest in music or technology services sales, strong communication and organization, and in-person availability in Los Angeles during the spring program.
Top Skills:
AirtableGoogle Workspace
Information Technology • Industrial • Manufacturing
Supports NAND Development business operations through Power BI dashboards, workforce and headcount reporting, data analysis, Excel-based modeling, SharePoint administration, process documentation, and operational improvements. The intern validates data, prepares leadership presentations, supports automation and process optimization, and assists with employee engagement initiatives and organizational events.
Top Skills:
ExcelMicrosoft PowerpointMicrosoft SharepointMicrosoft WordPower AppsPower AutomatePower BIPythonSQL
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
