DoD SkillBridge Internship – Senior Growth Strategist

BTAS, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

SkillBridge internship

Job summary

A veteran-supporting firm offers a DoD SkillBridge Internship for a Senior Growth Strategist in El Segundo, California. This program seeks active-duty service members aiming to transition to civilian roles while gaining valuable experience in business development. Interns will be trained in strategies to expand business opportunities within the federal contracting environment, while receiving ongoing support from seasoned professionals. The role includes mapping organizational structures, developing actionable strategies, and identifying key contacts. This internship fosters the development of strategic business growth skills.

Qualifications

• Active-duty service members within 180 days of separation can apply.
• Completion of relevant military training desirable.
• Approval from unit commander required.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• Practical experience as a military senior leader in Space Force or Air Force programs.
• Familiarity with Space Systems Command structures and mission areas.

Responsibilities

• Map USSF organizational structures and mission priorities.
• Identify and cultivate key points of contact for contract development.
• Develop strategies connecting small business capabilities with contracts.
• Act as a strategist and liaison between industry partners.

Skills

Senior-level experience in program management

Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes

Exceptional communication and presentation skills

Ability to work independently

Proven track record of building high-value relationships

Familiarity with Space Systems Command structure

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

POSITION: DoD SkillBridge Internship – Senior Growth Strategist

LOCATION: El Segundo, CA, Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB) area

REQUIRED SECURITY CLEARANCE: Secret

POSITION TYPE/STANDARD WORK HOURS: Internship / 40 hours per week / On-Site (local remote)

INTERNSHIP SUMMARY

Are you a service member looking to gain valuable civilian work experience before transitioning from the military? BTAS is offering an exciting SkillBridge Internship in Talent Acquisition. Apply to this job posting for the opportunity to get hands‑on experience, build new skills, and pave the way for a successful post‑military career!

WHO CAN APPLY

The DoD SkillBridge program is for active‑duty service members and select groups of the National Guard and the Reserves within 180‑days of their separation date. Interested service members must gain approval from their unit commander to participate. Specifically, they must seek approval from the first commander in their chain of command in the pay grade of O‑4 or above.

Not sure how to get started? Check out the DOD SkillBridge Program - Frequently Asked Questions Page (osd.mil).

WHO IS BTAS

BTAS is a woman-owned small business founded in 1995, located near Wright‑Patterson Air Force Base in Beavercreek, OH. We have earned national and regional awards in the Department of Defense for our proven IT, Engineering, and Program Management Capabilities.

We are committed to working with exceptional quality and professionalism to deliver excellence to our customers, while providing our employees a stimulating and satisfying work environment, as we collaborate with teammates to achieve common goals.

Learn more about us at: https://btas.com/

INTERNSHIP PURPOSE

The overarching mission of this position is to design and implement a comprehensive growth strategy that expands small business contract opportunities across the United States Space Force (USSF).

In the Department of Defense (DoD) and defense industry, there are limited formal programs that train professionals to become Business Development Leaders, also known as Senior Growth Strategists. This internship addresses that gap by equipping senior servicemembers with both foundational knowledge and hands‑on experience to transition into highly capable leaders in business development and program management.

Our approach combines instruction in the fundamentals of small business growth analysis and planning with the practical use of key industry tools common to companies supporting the DoD and federal agencies. The outcome is measurable: the research and analysis give the company the ability to develop targeted proposals that secure opportunities.

INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES

• Mapping USSF organizational structures to understand mission priorities and acquisition pathways.
• Identifying and cultivating key points of contact (POCs) critical to contract development.
• Developing actionable strategies that connect small business capabilities with relevant contracts, contract vehicles, and anticipated mission support needs.
• Serving as a strategist and liaison between industry partners to gain insights, build relationships, and shape opportunities that drive sustainable revenue growth.

This position ultimately develops the SkillBridge candidate into a strategic business growth professional, prepared to influence and capture opportunities in the federal contracting environment.

SKILLBRIDGE INTERN PRIOR EXPERIENCE

• Senior-level experience in program management or government contracting.
• Knowledge of DoD acquisition processes, contract vehicles (IDIQs), and small business engagement programs.
• Proven track record of building high‑value relationships in government or defense industry contexts.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex stakeholder relationships.
• Practical experience as a military senior leader of U.S. Space Force or Air Force programs.
• Familiarity with Space Systems Command organizational structure, key leaders and mission areas.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Professional office setting; standard office equipment used regularly.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment. Ability to remain in a stationary position for extended periods (up to 80%).

TRAVEL

Minimal travel required (< 5%).

OTHER DUTIES

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all duties, activities, or responsibilities required of the Intern. Duties may change at any time with or without notice.

COMPENSATION / BENEFITS

Through the DoD Skillbridge program, the DoD will continue to provide the service member with their salary, allowances, and benefits while they are in training with authorized DoD SkillBridge partner organizations.

AAP / EEO STATEMENT

BTAS is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

BTAS is an E-Verify program participant.