Business Development Intern

About DEFCON AI

DEFCON AI is a modeling, simulation, and analysis (MS&A) company that provides cutting-edge technology solutions for generating operationally relevant insights for the next generation of logistics and mobility decision making. An AI- driven software incorporating an intelligent agent within a simulation environment — DEFCON is the next driving force in defining how logistics disruptions are handled.

About the Business Development Intern

The Business Development (BD) Internship is designed to drive and support Growth at DEFCON AI to achieve strategic business plans. This position will provide direct support to the Business Development Team to engage and nurture prospective clients, focus on developing new leads, and identify new opportunities.

At the end of the internship, the student will have gained experience utilizing various media sources to market a product in a Business-to-business context, identify potential Clients, and develop business partnerships. The intern will also learn how to research prospective clients, identify client gap needs, and gain an in-depth understanding of the RPF (Request for Proposal) process. They will also learn how to collaborate with a team to advance marketing and development goals and gain first-hand experience on the importance of successful communication tools/skills.

The intern will gain valuable insights into for-profit business administration in a field where State and Federal regulations are imposed, and compliance is strictly regulated. Lastly, the intern will learn how to prioritize and manage several projects at once; establish, maintain and grow a positive relationship with a myriad of unique clients, and provide on-going support to exceed client expectations.

Our Business Development Intern will formulate strategies for growth and identifying, attracting, and acquiring new business. The Business Development team often works with and interacts directly with end customers, government acquisitions professionals, partners organizations and internal teams across the organization to drive business development forward. This team benefits from business acumen while possessing strong communication skills and savvy in technical awareness for our customers and other internal teams. 

The Business Development Intern will provide support on a variety of different avenues. This role will cover a large variety of functions including market research, strategy development, client pitch development, and general administrative support to the Growth team 

Location: Remote in Eastern or Central US Time Zones

Hourly Wage: $35.00/hour, non-exempt from overtime pay (40-hour work week)

Internship Dates of Employment/Season: Summer 2025 for 10-12 weeks

Responsibilities 

• Identify relevant contacts for the Business Development Engagement 
• Report on current program performance by analyzing data sets, identifying trends, and drawing actionable conclusions to drive decision making 
• Embrace our culture: Agility, Flexibility, Energy & Optimism 
• Business Development: Assist in identifying and engaging potential clients and partners
• Identify and “map” relevant contacts for Business Development outreach 
• Market Research and Strategy Development: Conduct comprehensive market research to identify new opportunities and support the development of our go-to-market strategy
• Analyze industry trends, and ideate on potential business opportunities and threats 
• Product and Project Development: Collaborate with the engineering and Analytics teams to translate market insights into business opportunities. Contribute to the development of our long-term strategy and product roadmap
• Operational Support: Assist in the implementation of scalable processes and workflows to support the growth of our business
• Participate in Mentor 1-on-1s with your designated supervisor and our Executive Team 

Minimum Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in a master's degree (MBA/MS) pursuing a degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, International Business, Marketing, Economics, Entrepreneurship, or a related field. Anticipated graduation date ranging from Fall/Winter 2025 to Spring 2026. 
• Prior experience using Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint; Teams & Dynamics a plus. 
• Excellent communication and team collaboration skills. 
• Current or previous internship experiences or university experiences (i.e. research) 
• Strong analytical, research, writing, and interpersonal skills. 
• Able to work at least 20 hours/week (not to exceed 40) 
• Intellectual curiosity: willing to ask questions and assert a view when presented with a problem. 
• Team player: able to provide feedback and accept 

Benefits:  

• A fully remote, results-based work environment. 
• Mentorship opportunities with senior Defense Industry Leaders