Wardstone is building the next generation of space-based missile defense. We design and deploy autonomous orbital interceptors capable of defeating hypersonic and ballistic threats, a capability the U.S. and its allies urgently need but that no one has yet delivered.

At Wardstone, you will build hardware that gets tested constantly and pushed to its limits, from US Air Force assisted ground experiments to supersonic ground launched platforms to future orbital prototypes. You’ll work on systems that combine advanced sensing, guidance, high-energy physics, and spaceflight in ways few organizations on Earth attempt.

We are a small, elite engineering team moving fast to solve problems of national importance. Every engineer has massive ownership, rapid iteration cycles, and a direct impact on the direction of the company and the defense of millions of people.

If you want to work at the intersection of space, autonomy, and national security, you should join Wardstone.

Wardstone is a defense-tech startup building next-generation space and missile defense systems to protect the United States and its allies. We work closely with the Space Force and Air Force to move fast from concept to deployed capability.

We are looking for a Business Development Intern to support customer discovery, government engagement, and strategic partnerships.

We have a strong preference for candidates with prior military service working within the Air Force, Navy, or any other missile defense experience. Bonus points for graduates of U.S. military academies.

What You’ll Work On

• Support engagement with DoD customers, labs, and program offices
• Help prepare briefing materials, whitepapers, and proposals (SBIR, BAAs, RFPs)
• Track and analyze defense programs, budgets, and acquisition pathways
• Assist with partner and prime contractor outreach
• Conduct market and competitive analysis across defense and space domains
• Sit in on real customer calls, strategy discussions, and reviews
• Potential travel to military bases and conferences domestically
• Bonus points for active clearance

This is a hands-on role with direct exposure to how early-stage defense companies work with government customers.

Who We’re Looking For

• Prior service members strongly preferred, especially graduates of:
  • U.S. Air Force Academy
  • U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
  • U.S. Naval Academy
• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in engineering, policy, economics, business, or a related field
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable with ambiguity and fast-moving environments
• Interest in national security, defense acquisition, and emerging technology
• Ability to work in the U.S. (citizenship required)

Bonus points for experience with:

• DoD acquisition processes or program offices
• SBIR / STTR or government contracting
• Strategy, consulting, or defense policy
• Engineering background and ability to engage with engineers

Why Wardstone

• Work on real national security problems with real customers
• Learn how defense startups engage with the DoD from the inside
• Direct mentorship from founders
• High ownership, real responsibility, no busywork
• Competitive compensation for interns

Our first product, Hailstorm, integrates multiple advanced technologies:

• VLEO satellite interceptors with high maneuverability and rapid response times.
• Infrared sensing and real-time perception, enabling autonomous target detection and tracking.
• High-impulse propulsion and high-energy dispersal systems capable of generating millisecond-scale accelerations.
• Advanced guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) for midcourse correction and terminal homing.
• Physics-driven simulation environments modeling orbital mechanics, missile trajectories, thermal loads, and pellet-cloud dynamics.
• Kinetic particle-cloud intercept architecture that provides a cost-effective, scalable alternative to traditional hit-to-kill missile systems.