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2026 Summer Intern - Strategy & Operations (R5065)

Shield AI
San Francisco, United StatesinternshipVerifiedPosted 23 May 2026

About the role

Founded 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.

What you'll do:

  • 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
  • Required qualifications:

  • 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
  • Preferred qualifications:

  • 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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    Company

    Shield AI

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