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Business Development Defense Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Business Development (Defense Sector)

Naples, NC ยท On-site +1

$42K - $58K/yr

If you enjoy technology and want to continue growing in the area of processes and business development, your site is with us! We are an engineering and innovation company that works in different ...

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Business Development Defense Internship information

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How much do business development defense internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for business development defense internship in the United States is $19.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Business Development Defense Intern, and why are they important?

To excel as a Business Development Defense Intern, you typically need strong analytical abilities, a solid understanding of defense industry trends, and coursework or a degree in business, engineering, or related fields. Familiarity with CRM software, market research tools, and Microsoft Office Suite is often required, and having a security clearance can be advantageous. Excellent communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills set top candidates apart in this collaborative and strategic environment. These competencies are crucial for supporting growth initiatives, building client relationships, and navigating the unique challenges of the defense sector.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on during a Business Development Defense Internship?

As a Business Development Defense Intern, you will typically support market research, competitive analysis, and proposal development for government or military contracts. Interns often help identify new business opportunities, analyze defense industry trends, and assist in preparing presentations for senior leadership. You may also collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as engineering and program management, to gather technical insights that inform business strategy. This hands-on experience provides valuable exposure to both the business and technical aspects of the defense sector.

What is a Business Development Defense Internship?

A Business Development Defense Internship is a temporary position designed for students or recent graduates interested in working within the defense industry. Interns typically assist with research, market analysis, proposal preparation, and client outreach to help defense companies identify and pursue new business opportunities. This role provides hands-on experience in both business strategy and the unique regulatory environment of the defense sector, helping interns develop valuable industry skills and professional connections.
More about Business Development Defense Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Business Development Defense Internship jobs? Cities with the most Business Development Defense Internship job openings:
What states have the most Business Development Defense Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Business Development Defense Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Business Development Defense Internship job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% As Needed, 67% Full Time, and 22% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,786 per year, or $19.6 per hour.
Head Of Business Development - Defense

Head Of Business Development - Defense

The Patriot Group, Inc

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$250K - $320K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Head of Business Development - Defense "Shape and Fund Programs Before They Exist"
Location: Los Angeles, CA (Remote)
Compensation: $250K - $320K +/+ upside
COMPANY PROFILE
  • This team isn't building another defense product.
  • They're fundamentally changing how defense systems get manufactured-using AI-driven, flexible production environments that compress timelines from concept to production.
  • The mission is simple: Remove manufacturing as the bottleneck to national security innovation.

WHY THIS ROLE MATTERS
This is not a traditional BD role. If your playbook is responding to RFPs, chasing SBIRs, or working existing pipeline-you're in the wrong seat.
This role operates before programs exist-where:
  • Requirements are still being written
  • Budgets are still being shaped (PPBE)
  • And the winners haven't been decided yet

You will help create and fund programs, not just win them.
THE ROLE
You are the senior-most growth leader responsible for:
  • Influencing requirements
  • Aligning stakeholders across DoD and primes
  • Driving new programs into existence
  • Converting early influence into funded, scalable efforts

This is about access, credibility, and shaping power at the highest levels of DoD.
WHAT YOU'LL ACTUALLY DO
Operate at the Power Layer
  • Engage senior decision-makers across OSD, Service Secretariats, PEOs, and PAEs
  • Build and leverage relationships that influence policy, priorities, and funding

Shape Requirements & Funding
  • Identify mission gaps and translate them into fundable programs
  • Influence requirements before they are locked
  • Align efforts with PPBE cycles and budget pathways

Create Programs (Not Chase Them)
  • Architect new program pathways from concept to funded effort
  • Build coalitions across government, primes, and internal stakeholders
  • Drive initiatives into Programs of Record or equivalent scale efforts

Position Strategic Capability
  • Sell a manufacturing advantage, not a product
  • Educate stakeholders on how production strategy impacts mission success
  • Reframe how programs think about scale, speed, and deployment

Convert Influence into Revenue
  • Take opportunities from concept โ†’ funded โ†’ operational
  • Own outcomes tied to $10M-$100M+ program scale, not small R&D wins

BACKGROUND PROFILE
This role is for someone who has already operated at the level others are trying to reach.
  • 15+ years in defense BD, strategy, or program leadership
  • Proven track record of shaping and securing large-scale DoD programs ($50M+)
  • Deep relationships across OSD, Service Secretariats, PEOs, and PAEs
  • Experience influencing requirements and funding before formal acquisition
  • Background in missiles, hypersonics, strike systems, UAS, or similar

WHAT SETS YOU APART
  • You've helped create programs-not just win contracts
  • You have relationships with decision-makers, not just program offices
  • You understand how money actually moves through DoD
  • You're credible in rooms with senior government and industry leadership
  • You bring new perspective and strategic insight, not recycled BD playbooks

OTHER REQUIREMENTS
  • Technical foundation (Engineering or similar preferred)
  • Active Secret Clearance (TS preferred or eligible)
  • Willingness to travel (~25-50%)

BOTTOM LINE
This role is for someone who can walk into the Pentagon and:
  • Identify a gap
  • Align stakeholders
  • Shape the requirement
  • Influence the budget
  • And turn it into a funded program