Defense Catalyst - Internship Program

Here's the updated Summary Description with that added:Summary DescriptionThis is a ground-floor opportunity at an early-stage defense tech startup building AI-powered workflow automation for DoD contracting. You won't be tucked away in a corner—you'll shadow the CEO, Head of Sales, and COO while owning real work from day one.You will drive business development across the defense acquisition ecosystem: identifying opportunities, running demos, building pipeline, and closing deals with the same contracting offices you used to work in. At the same time, you'll shape the product itself—building workflows, testing AI capabilities, and translating your frontline experience into features that actually solve real problems.What you'll walk away with:Full-cycle sales experience: prospecting, outreach, demos, objection handling, pipeline management, and proposal supportProduct development exposure: hands-on work with AI tools, workflow automation, and the ability to talk credibly about technical productsStartup operating experience: you'll see how an early-stage company runs—fundraising, customer discovery, product iteration, go-to-market strategyDirect mentorship from the founding team: you'll sit in on investor calls, customer meetings, and strategic decisions alongside leadershipA network that matters: warm introductions to program offices, innovation hubs (AFWERX, DIU, SOFWERX), and defense tech foundersA resume and LinkedIn profile rebuilt for the civilian market, plus mock interviews and direct references from the founding team.This isn't an internship where you watch from the sidelines. You'll carry a pipeline, join leadership calls, and have daily access to the people building the company. By the end of six months, you'll have the skills, network, and track record to step into a high-responsibility BD, sales, or product role at any defense tech company—or stay with us.By the end of the program, you will have sales skills, deep product knowledge, an updated resume, and useful connections.

ob DescriptionSource and qualify opportunities using SAM.gov, DOD SBIR, AFWERX, DIU, SOFWERX, xTech, TradeWind, and other acquisition channelsConduct outreach to contracting officers and acquisition professionals via LinkedIn, email, and phoneRun product demos and manage objections through the sales cycleMaintain pipeline in CRM and participate in weekly pipeline reviews with leadershipSupport proposal and RFI responses as neededBuild real workflows in the product (award notices, status updates, ALT phase tracking) through hands-on AI-based trainingTest new automation features and provide product feedback based on your contracting experienceShadow the CEO, Head of Sales, and COO on customer calls, investor meetings, and strategic decisions70% of your time goes to sales and business development. 30% goes to product work, training, and feedback. Fully remote with flexible hours around your transition.