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.
We are looking for a Public Policy & Community Affairs Intern based on O‘ahu to join our Government Relations team and support Vannevar’s engagement across Hawaiʻi and the Indo‑Pacific region. This role will partner closely with our Director of Government Relations and broader Public Policy & Strategy team to strengthen relationships with policymakers, industry associations, and community organizations.
This position is designed to expand Vannevar’s local presence and ensure consistent, high-quality engagement with partners across government, academia, industry, and civil society. The intern will play a critical role in supporting coordination, research, and execution of engagement strategies tied to policy priorities and community needs.
What you’ll do
Build relationships with policymakers and civic leaders
Support engagement with state and local officials, congressional offices, and relevant public agencies. Help with stakeholder mapping, meeting coordination, briefing preparation, and follow-ups to deepen Vannevar’s presence on island. Take ownership of key relationships over time and help build coalitions across stakeholders to advance shared priorities.
Partner with industry associations and ecosystem organizations
Help develop and maintain relationships with chambers of commerce, technology and innovation networks, trade associations, and convening organizations. Attend and represent Vannevar at partner- and community-led events (e.g., association meetings, convenings, panels, and roundtables), capturing notes and follow-ups and helping identify opportunities to build relationships and advance shared priorities.
Engage community and nonprofit stakeholders
Assist in building respectful, durable relationships with community organizations, nonprofits, and local leaders. Help identify opportunities for listening sessions, site visits, and community-informed programming that aligns with local priorities.
Conduct policy research and analysis
Track relevant policy initiatives, economic development priorities, and funding opportunities related to technology, resilience, workforce development, public safety, and regional security. Synthesize insights into clear, actionable memos and briefings for internal teams.
Strengthen internal coordination
Act as a connective tissue between on-island Government Relations, product, and mission teams by coordinating requests, surfacing regional insights, and helping teams stay aligned on messaging and engagement goals.
Provide operational and administrative support
Assist with scheduling, event logistics, note-taking, and general support to ensure smooth execution of engagements and ongoing initiatives in Hawaiʻi.
What we’re looking for
- Demonstrated interest in public policy, government relations, community affairs, or civic engagement (internships, campus work, or community leadership welcome)
- Strong research, writing, and communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple priorities
- Ability to operate independently and proactively in a remote, lightly structured environment
- Familiarity with Hawaiʻi’s policy and community landscape (or eagerness to learn quickly and respectfully)
- U.S. citizenship
- Based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
What we offer
Competitive hourly pay. Individual compensation will be determined based on experience and relevant education.
Vannevar Labs is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, or disability status.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply, even if you don’t feel like a perfect fit. If you’re passionate about contributing to our mission, we’d love to hear from you.
We are committed to protecting the privacy of all applicants. Official emails from the company will come from an @vannevarlabs.com domain. Under no circumstances will a legitimate representative from our company contact you to request passwords, financial information, or other sensitive personal data. Please be vigilant of potential scams.
Skills Required
- Demonstrated interest in public policy, government relations, community affairs, or civic engagement (internships, campus work, or community leadership)
- Strong research, writing, and communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and comfort managing multiple priorities
- Ability to operate independently and proactively in a remote, lightly structured environment
- Familiarity with Hawaiʻi's policy and community landscape or eagerness to learn quickly and respectfully
- U.S. citizenship
- Based in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
What the Team is Saying
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Vannevar Compensation & Benefits Highlights
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Healthcare Strength — The company highlights “top‑tier” medical, dental, and vision coverage for full‑time employees. Wellness, mental‑health, and family‑planning assistance further strengthen health support.
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Parental & Family Support — Fully paid 12 weeks parental leave for all new parents plus an additional 4 weeks for new mothers, with flexibility to split time. Monthly caregiving stipends and child/pet‑care support during work travel provide ongoing family help.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Unlimited PTO is paired with explicit “no vacation guilt” messaging, companywide downtime around federal holidays, and a year‑end break. A small vacation stipend is offered to encourage disconnecting.
Vannevar Insights
What We Do
Vannevar combines Silicon Valley innovation with former special operators to build AI for real-world national security outcomes. Since our founding in 2019, Vannevar has deployed its technology across 125 missions, safeguarding our service members and improving our country's deterrence. We believe our military service members and intelligence officers deserve access to the best technology American innovation can offer, and we are mobilizing frontier technology for this mission. Our founders have 30 years of combined experience across AI labs, national security strategy, intelligence agencies and special operations. We're supported by a number of leading VCs, including Felicis, DFJ Growth, Point72, Costanoa, and General Catalyst. Vannevar is one of the most capital efficient defense tech companies, reaching early profitability and becoming a defense tech unicorn in 2024.
Why Work With Us
We pride ourselves on being a team of passionate, low-ego professionals who share a commitment to engineering excellence and a genuine concern for the people and AI agents we deliver. Vannevar is a company that truly cares about its people and one of our core principles is "put your wellbeing first".
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Vannevar Offices
Remote Workspace
Employees work remotely.
We are distributed across the map, but united by the mission. We go where the mission takes us and deliver where others can’t. Honolulu, Seattle, San Francisco, Washington D.C., New York. You decide what's next.
