DoW SkillBridge Forward Deployed Engineer Intern

Posted 4 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Joint Base Lewis McChord, WA, USA
Hybrid
Internship
Security • Cybersecurity
The Role
SkillBridge intern role learning forward-deployed systems engineering for CJADC2. Responsibilities include architecting and developing software in cloud and tactical-edge environments, integrating legacy military command-and-control platforms, designing data schemas and pipelines, translating operational requirements into engineering specifications, and deploying secure applications. The role uses Python, Java, C++, and TypeScript and requires collaboration with engineering teams and mission users.
Summary Generated by Built In
Position Title: DoW Forward Deployed Engineer Intern
Location: Hybrid to Joint Base Lewis McChord
Clearance Requirement: Active Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility
Employment type: SkillBridge Internship
 
Research Innovations, Inc. (RII) is breaking through the big, slow, status quo with transformative technology that fundamentally changes and improves the world. We develop cutting-edge software for all levels of the government and military. Using agile development practices and user-centered design, we create innovative software solutions for complex real-world problems. 
 
We are looking for a Skill Bridge Intern to learn the Forward Deployed Engineer position with our CJADC2 business area. This role requires a candidate to be approved for Skillbridge or Career Skills internship programs through their respective branch of the military. You will learn to be the technical engine bridging the front lines of defense with our engineering teams. Your mission is to build, code, and architect high-stakes software directly in the operational environment. You don't just bridge the gap—you translate complex, messy operational requirements into stable software solutions, while simultaneously serving as the systems architect responsible for data ontology, schema coordination, and engineering requirements that define our platform's integration strategy.

This position requires an active U.S.Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING

  • Learn to architect and design scalable solutions for complex, high-stakes technical problems in both cloud and disconnected, tactical edge environments.

  • Develop custom, high-impact applications (Python, Java, C++, TypeScript) to bridge legacy limitations, while concurrently architecting stable data pipelines and defining schema ontologies for large-scale integration.

  • Decompose mission-critical operational workflows into clear, deliberate technical requirements and engineering specs that drive the development of scalable, secure product features.

    Collaborate with internal engineering teams to drive projects from initial ideation and prototyping through to full-scale, secure deployment.

  • Learn to lead systems integration efforts, linking modern software to legacy military C2 and targeting platforms, and troubleshooting system-of-systems architecture at the tactical edge.

  • Rapidly iterate on solutions based on direct user feedback, maintaining a high pain threshold to deliver measurable, real-world value.

WHAT YOU HAVE DONE

  • 1+ years of relevant, post-college software engineering or development experience.

  • Strong systems engineering background—with the ability to draft technical specs and manage system-wide data models—alongside a robust foundation in Computer Science or Software Engineering.

  • Proven proficiency as a coder in one or more modern programming languages, and demonstrated experience in systems integration, schema design, or data modeling within complex environments.

  • Demonstrated ability to build, deploy, and maintain software solutions that handle data, logic, and operational complexity.

    Experience engaging with non-technical stakeholders or mission users to turn abstract requirements into concrete code.

  • History of success in unstructured, rapidly evolving environments where initiative and high-quality output are required.

EVEN BETTER

  • Advanced expertise in data structures, storage systems, cloud infrastructure (e.g., AWS, Azure), and container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes).

  • Practical experience working with large-scale data and applying AI/ML libraries to address practical operational challenges.

    Hands-on experience developing in disconnected (DDIL), air-gapped, or tactical edge environments.

  • Deep curiosity about the underlying technical architecture and a "low ego" approach that values the mission outcome over personal recognition.

At RII, we believe that diversity in our workforce is critical to our success. We strive to hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We work to help your intellectual passions and creativity thrive. It’s one of our core values: Let your geek flag fly.

We also offer all employees comprehensive benefits including: flexible work schedules, health insurance coverage, paid time off, 401k with a company match, paid parental leave, access to wellness programs and much more. You get this all from day one, and all paid for by RII.

It’s all part of another of our core values: Stay human. It’s why our comfortable and colorful offices such as our headquarters, include a community game room, pantry, massage chair, and an escape room, among other amenities. It’s why we have community ambassadors and regular community events.

Research Innovations, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, disability status, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal or local law. 

#LI-MC1


Skills Required

  • Approval for SkillBridge or Career Skills internship through the candidate’s military branch
  • Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility
  • At least 1 year of relevant post-college software engineering or development experience
  • Strong systems engineering background and ability to draft technical specifications and manage system-wide data models
  • Foundation in computer science or software engineering
  • Proficiency in one or more modern programming languages
  • Experience with systems integration, schema design, or data modeling in complex environments
  • Experience building, deploying, and maintaining software handling data, logic, and operational complexity
  • Experience engaging nontechnical stakeholders or mission users to translate requirements into code
  • Experience succeeding in unstructured, rapidly evolving environments
  • Advanced expertise in data structures, storage systems, cloud infrastructure, or container orchestration
  • Experience with large-scale data and AI/ML libraries
  • Experience developing in disconnected, air-gapped, or tactical-edge environments
Am I A Good Fit?
beta
Get Personalized Job Insights.
Our AI-powered fit analysis compares your resume with a job listing so you know if your skills & experience align.

The Company
HQ: Alexandria, VA
190 Employees
Year Founded: 2009

What We Do

Research Innovations is a small technology company focused on the development and application of emerging technologies that solve complex problems within the Defense and Intelligence communities.

Similar Jobs

Cox Enterprises Logo Cox Enterprises

Sales Manager

Artificial Intelligence • Automotive • Greentech • Information Technology • Machine Learning • Software • Cybersecurity
Hybrid
Tacoma, WA, USA
30000 Employees
64K-142K Annually

Atlassian Logo Atlassian

Machine Learning Engineer

Cloud • Information Technology • Productivity • Security • Software • App development • Automation
In-Office or Remote
Seattle, WA, USA
11000 Employees
196K-309K Annually

Atlassian Logo Atlassian

Solutions Engineer

Cloud • Information Technology • Productivity • Security • Software • App development • Automation
In-Office or Remote
16 Locations
11000 Employees
161K-253K Annually

Atlassian Logo Atlassian

Counsel

Cloud • Information Technology • Productivity • Security • Software • App development • Automation
In-Office or Remote
19 Locations
11000 Employees
190K-300K Annually

Similar Companies Hiring

SEON Thumbnail
Artificial Intelligence • Cybersecurity
Budapest, Budapest
415 Employees
Milestone Systems Thumbnail
Artificial Intelligence • Security • Software • Analytics • Big Data Analytics
Lake Oswego, OR
1500 Employees
NODA AI Thumbnail
Artificial Intelligence • Information Technology • Software • Cybersecurity
Sydney, AU
54 Employees

Sign up now Access later

Create Free Account

Please log in or sign up to report this job.

Create Free Account