MBA Intern Summer 2027 (Mission Lead - Clearance Required)

Vannevar is a defense technology company building AI to deter our adversaries. In the 21st century, conflict moves at algorithmic speed and foresight equals firepower. Our agentic AI is purpose-built to compete with China—from cross-Strait conflict to gray zone coercion. Trained on the most mission-relevant datasets in defense, our technology models adversary behavior, simulates campaigns, and recommends the best course of action to decision makers. Our AI systems are some of the most trusted in the industry and actively used on the front lines of the Indo-Pacific to keep the peace and save lives.

Exceptional technology starts with exceptional people. Vannevar is a small agile team combining world-class engineers with veteran strategists who bring deep expertise in defense and tradecraft. We’re building a company defined by mission impact, user empathy, and disciplined growth. In just three years, we grew from $3M to $80M in ARR, achieved early profitability, and reached unicorn status—proving that disruption doesn’t require an ego, and staying power doesn’t mean standing still.

About the role

Vannevar Labs is seeking Mission Lead Interns for summer 2027. Interns may work remotely with frequent travel to customer sites, potentially 75% or more of the summer. 

Mission Leads are customer-facing owners of mission outcomes. You will lead engagements with government stakeholders to identify high-value mission problems, shape pilots and deployments, and turn demonstrated mission value into durable, funded programs.

This role blends mission credibility with strong execution and technical intuition. You will operate with high autonomy in ambiguous environments, translate mission needs into clear technical narratives, and coordinate across functional teams (Product, Engineering, Mission, Security, and Operations) to deliver and scale.

U.S. Persons status with at least a current Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) US DoD or IC clearance is required as this position will require the ability to access U.S. only data systems.

What you'll do

• Embed with users. Sit on site with DOW customer groups and build deep intuition for their mission.

• Build trust. Earn credibility by understanding user problems and helping solve them over time.

• Turn ambiguity into hypotheses. Break complex mission problems into specific workflows that can be tested.

• Configure product workflows. Set up high-value workflows for users through creative, iterative configuration.

• Test and troubleshoot releases. Debug product issues on deployed DOW systems and work with engineering to resolve them.

• Generate mission wins. Identify what works, onboard users, and translate wins into evidence of impact.

• Develop new user groups. Build relationships with additional teams on site and identify where Vannevar can create value.

• Operate independently. Set priorities on site and push work through without waiting for perfect direction.

• Represent Vannevar. Be the face of the company with DOW users and customers.

What we're looking for

• Incoming, first or second year MBA or MA students interested in business development and national security, intelligence or defense.
• A motivated problem solver who takes ownership, acts with urgency, and is comfortable with ambiguity. You like a challenge, and you don’t quit.
• Prior DoD mission user experience, domain knowledge, or military service. You understand our partners' organizational constructs and challenges because you lived them.
• U.S. Persons status with at least a current Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) US DoD or IC clearance is required as this position will require the ability to access U.S. only data systems.

What we offer

The salary range for this position is competitive with market rates. Individual pay is determined by experience, relevant education, and/or training and interview performance.

Vannevar is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don't feel like you're a perfect fit. If you're passionate about contributing to our mission, we'd love to hear from you!