Business Development Intern - Space and Missile Defense

Wardstone; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 27,552 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Direct mentorship from founders

Competitive compensation for interns

Job summary

Wardstone, a defense-tech startup based in Los Angeles, is seeking a Business Development Intern to support customer discovery and strategic partnerships. This role offers hands-on experience in national security projects.

Candidates with military backgrounds are preferred, especially from the Air Force, Navy, or military academies. Responsibilities include engaging with DoD customers, preparing materials, and conducting analysis across defense domains.

The position provides direct mentorship and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Prior service members strongly preferred, especially graduates of military academies.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and fast-moving environments.
• Ability to work in the U.S. (citizenship required).

Responsibilities

• Support engagement with DoD customers and strategic partnerships.
• Help prepare briefing materials and proposals.
• Conduct market and competitive analysis across defense and space domains.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work in fast-moving environments

Interest in national security and defense systems

Education

Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in engineering, policy, economics, business

Job description

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