ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Business Development Defense Internship Jobs in California

Skyryse

Defense Business Development Lead

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

DEFENSE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD - EL SEGUNDO, CA Skyryse is seeking an execution-driven Defense Business Development Lead to support our defense commercialization efforts. This is a utility role ...

Skyryse

Defense Business Development Lead

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

DEFENSE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD - EL SEGUNDO, CA Skyryse is seeking an execution-driven Defense Business Development Lead to support our defense commercialization efforts. This is a utility role ...

Zenno Astronautics

Be Seen First

Business Development Lead - Defense Space Systems

Torrance, CA · On-site

$175K - $250K/yr

About the Role Zenno is hiring an experienced Business Development Lead to develop and win U.S. government opportunities across defense and national-security space. This roles exists to win business.

Redfish Recruiting

Business Strategy & Development Officer - Defense Sector Company: Tera AI Position Overview: Tera AI is seeking an accomplished Business Strategy & Development Officer to lead the expansion of our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsBusiness Development Defense JobsBusiness Development Defense Internship JobsBusiness Development Defense Internship Jobs in California

Business Development Defense Internship information

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.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Business Development Defense Internship jobs in California?

For Business Development Defense Internship jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Business Development Defense Internship jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Business Development Defense Internship jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Business Development Defense Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Business Development Defense Internship job openings:

Business Development Defense Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Business Development Defense Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 66% Full Time, and 24% Part Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution.

Defense Business Development Lead

Skyryse

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

We're on a mission to make the skies safe and accessible for everyone. Our technology gives pilots greater control by simplifying the management of any aircraft during standard flight operations, inclement weather, and emergencies. Our SkyOS solution, rigorously and relentlessly developed by skilled and dedicated Skyrysers, is the key to unlocking this unbounded future. Our technology, combined with our commitment to saving lives and our passion for aviation, will empower everyone to experience the joy and freedom of flight.
DEFENSE BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT LEAD - EL SEGUNDO, CA
Skyryse is seeking an execution-driven Defense Business Development Lead to support our defense commercialization efforts. This is a utility role for a high-horsepower operator who can move fluidly across research, strategy, stakeholder mapping, and execution.
The role operates at the intersection of government relations, acquisition strategy, product positioning, and market creation. Core responsibilities include mapping the defense landscape, identifying decision-makers and budget pathways, and developing the insights that inform how Skyryse engages the defense community.
This is a full-time onsite opportunity based out of El Segundo.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Build and maintain a detailed power map of decision-makers, budget owners, program offices, and influence centers across DoW and Congress.
  • Conduct landscape analysis and data mining across the defense ecosystem to identify programs, funding pathways, competitive activity, and emerging opportunities.
  • Support the development and execution of Skyryse's defense commercialization strategy across DoW and related agencies.
  • Develop and manage a stakeholder network spanning Professional Staff Members, acquisition officials, program leaders, and warfighter end users.
  • Produce briefing materials, stakeholder dossiers, market analyses, and strategic memos that inform executive decision-making.
  • Track competitor activity, industry trends, and acquisition signals to sharpen positioning and uncover opportunities.
  • Support coordinated efforts across government relations, advisory board development, lobbying partners, PR, and competitive positioning.
  • Partner with Product, Engineering, and Leadership to align messaging and positioning with defense and commercial needs.
  • Drive early program adoption through pilots, prototypes, and competitive evaluations.
  • Take on ad hoc strategic projects to support executive priorities as the company scales.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • 4+ years of experience across military service (Army, Marine Corps, or other branches), management consulting, banking, the Intelligence Community, defense strategy, corporate strategy, or comparable analytical or operational environments.
  • Proven track record building network maps, pitching materials, landscape analysis, building business cases, and data mining complex ecosystems to surface relationships, decision pathways, and opportunities.
  • Strong research skills with the ability to turn sprawling, ambiguous problems into clear, structured answers.
  • High intellectual horsepower and curiosity, with a demonstrated ability to learn new technical domains quickly.
  • Genuine interest in aviation, aerospace, and autonomy; prior domain experience not required.
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Background in the U.S. Intelligence Community, particularly in roles involving network analysis, target development, or all-source landscape assessment.
  • Familiarity with how warfighter requirements become programs of record (e.g., JCIDS, requirements generation, PPBE budget cycles).
  • Familiarity with DoW acquisition processes, budget cycles, or government funding pathways.
  • Exposure to defense technology, dual-use technology, or high-growth startup environments.
  • Experience supporting government relations or lobbying efforts.
  • Interest in or exposure to crewed, unmanned, or autonomous aviation systems and how they are evaluated and funded across DoW acquisition pathways.

WHY SKYRYSE?
  • The opportunity to change the world through improving aviation safety and accessibility
  • Compensation Range: $120,000 - $150,000
  • Valuable stock option plan
  • Heavily subsidized medical, dental and vision plans
  • Full-time employees are eligible for 20 days of paid time off (PTO) and 5 sick days annually. PTO and sick days must be used in accordance with Company policy.
  • A company with an ambitious vision, a dynamic work environment, and a team of smart, motivated, and fun to work-with colleagues!

WE WELCOME ALLSkyryse is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
NO AGENCY CANDIDATES WILL BE CONSIDERED.

Apply