DoD SkillBridge: Defense Acquisition Strategy & Growth Intern

This is a remote position.

DoD SkillBridge Internship: Defense Strategy and Growth Internship
SkillBridge Host Company: Anno.Ai
SkillBridge Provider: Vets2PM LLC
Location: Remote (per DoW SkillBridge guidelines)

Applicants must be active-duty U.S. Military Members who qualify for the DoD SkillBridge Program.

What We Do at Anno.Ai

Anno.Ai is a mission-focused defense technology startup dedicated to accelerating the safe and effective development of next-generation autonomous systems. We specialize in building and operating advanced test ranges for low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) single- or dual- use autonomous platforms, providing a critical bridge between early-stage innovation and real-world mission requirements.

Our ranges are designed to replicate complex, contested, and dynamic environments—giving innovators, researchers, and defense partners the ability to validate, stress-test, and mature their systems with speed and rigor. By combining deep technical expertise with a strong national security ethos, Anno.Ai ensures that emerging autonomous technologies are tested not only for performance but for resilience, adaptability, and operational relevance.

Anno.Ai is a growing company with a team drawn from diverse professional backgrounds, bringing together expertise in defense, technology, engineering, and operations. We intentionally build our teams on the foundation of trust.

At Anno.Ai, we believe that mission success depends on empowering innovation at the edge. We exist to help our partners move faster, fail smarter, and ultimately deliver autonomous capabilities that safeguard both national security and the future of global stability.

As a Defense Strategy and Growth intern, you will support business development, contracting, and acquisition planning initiatives in the defense and national security market. This role offers hands-on exposure to how organizations identify opportunities, understand government requirements, develop capture strategies, and navigate the federal acquisition process. You will assist with market and customer research, opportunity analysis, acquisition timelines, contract-vehicle assessments, proposal development, and strategic briefings. Working alongside business development and contracting professionals, you will help transform complex information into clear, actionable recommendations. We value good management, your career growth, and ethical, responsible practices.

For this opportunity we are looking for individuals who have experience in federal acquisitions. The ability to think on your feet and good communication skills are essential. We are looking for someone who has a learning mindset and loves to think outside the box.

The ideal candidate for this role would reside in Minneapolis MN. However, this position is remote and any other location within the Continental United States (CONUS) is acceptable as well.

Candidates need to be able to obtain and maintain U.S. Government security clearance (U.S. citizenship required).  Candidates must be able to travel up to 20% of the time.

• Be introduced to program management tasks of early-stage defense technology efforts, including schedule, cost, and risk tracking
  
• Learn federal contracting and acquisition processes within the DoD ecosystem
  
• Gain exposure to Business development and capture activities in the defense technology sector
  
• Translate military acquisitions experience into a commercial technology environment
  

Required Qualifications

• Military, government, academic, or professional experience supporting complex planning, analysis, coordination, or program activities.
  
• Foundational familiarity with Department of Defense missions, organizations, requirements, acquisition, contracting, or program-management processes.
  
• Demonstrated ability to research complex topics, evaluate information from multiple sources, and translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
  
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing briefings, reports, plans, or decision-support materials.
  
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
  
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a remote, fast-moving, mission-focused team.
  
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, with the willingness to learn additional business-development and research tools.
  
• Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive, proprietary, or mission-related information.
  
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance, including meeting applicable citizenship requirements.
  
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting DoD acquisition, contracting, requirements development, resource management, program management, or operational planning.
  
• Experience developing, reviewing, or contributing to Performance Work Statements (PWS), Statements of Work (SOW), Statements of Objectives (SOO), or related acquisition and requirements documentation.
  
• Strong technical writing skills, with the ability to translate complex operational, technical, and acquisition information into clear, concise, and well-structured documentation.
  
• Familiarity with the federal acquisition lifecycle, FAR/DFARS, contract vehicles, Other Transaction Authorities, or SBIR/STTR programs.
  
• Experience with defense business development, capture management, proposal development, customer engagement, or opportunity assessment.
  
• Experience conducting market, customer, competitor, or opportunity research and presenting findings to decision-makers.
  
• Experience translating operational needs into requirements, acquisition approaches, or strategic recommendations.
  
• Experience tracking program schedules, costs, risks, milestones, or stakeholder actions.
  
• Familiarity with autonomous systems, unmanned platforms, artificial intelligence, data analytics, or other emerging defense technologies.
  
• Education, military training, certification, or coursework in acquisition, contracting, business, public policy, national security, engineering, data science, or a related field.
  
• Experience working effectively in a startup, small-team, or rapidly changing environment.
  
• An active or recently held U.S. Government security clearance