2026 Summer Intern - Strategy & Operations (R5065)
Shield AIFounded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed deep-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include the V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, Hivemind Enterprise, and the Hivemind Vision product lines. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Job Description:
Join a 10-week internship at the center of strategy, execution, and company-building inside one of the fastest-growing companies in AI, autonomy, and aerospace. This is a high-ownership role for a top-performing student who wants direct exposure to executive decision-making, fundraising, strategic partnerships, IPO readiness, and mission-critical initiatives. You’ll work closely with senior leaders to solve ambiguous problems, drive cross-functional execution, and help scale a company operating at the frontier of defense and autonomous systems.
\n- Drive high-priority projects across AI/autonomy, aerospace systems, international expansion, and strategic growth initiatives
- Break down ambiguous business and operational problems into structured analyses, actionable plans, and measurable outcomes
- Conduct market, competitive, and partnership analysis across commercial, defense, and international sectors
- Partner cross-functionally with engineering, product, finance, operations, and business development teams to drive execution on critical initiatives
- Take ownership of high-impact “important but unowned” problems that improve company execution, communication, and operating cadence
- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Computer Science, or a related field
- Proven record of high performance in demanding environments, including internships, research, startups, student leadership, consulting, finance, engineering, or operating roles
- Exceptional analytical and structured problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information quickly
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience building presentations, executive summaries, or analytical deliverables
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work under tight timelines
- Ability to operate independently in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with strong judgment and attention to detail
- Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets and presentation tools such as PowerPoint or Google Slides
- Authorized to work in the United States and available full-time for a 10-week summer internship
- Prior internship experience in strategy, consulting, investment banking, venture capital, private equity, startups, aerospace, defense, or high-growth technology companies
- Experience building financial models, conducting market analysis, or supporting strategic transactions or fundraising efforts
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional projects with measurable outcomes
- Strong interest in AI, autonomy, aerospace, defense technology, or national security
- Evidence of exceptional achievement, including founder experience, nationally competitive programs, published research, top academic performance, or elite leadership roles
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior executives
- Track record of identifying problems proactively and driving execution without needing detailed direction
#intern
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
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Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.