DoW Forward Deployed Engineer Intern

About the Role

Research Innovations, Inc. (RII) is seeking a DoW Forward Deployed Engineer Intern to learn the Forward Deployed Engineer position within our CJADC2 business area. This role is a SkillBridge Internship for individuals approved for military internship programs. You will serve as the technical bridge between the front lines of defense and our engineering teams, building, coding, and architecting high-stakes software in operational environments. This role translates operational requirements into software solutions and acts as the systems architect for data ontology, schema coordination, and integration strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• 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 using Python, Java, C++, TypeScript to bridge legacy limitations.
• Architect stable data pipelines and define schema ontologies for large-scale integration.
• Decompose mission-critical operational workflows into clear, deliberate technical requirements and engineering specifications that drive the development of scalable, secure product features.
• Collaborate with internal engineering teams to drive projects from 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.
• Troubleshoot system-of-systems architecture at the tactical edge.
• Rapidly iterate on solutions based on direct user feedback to deliver measurable, real-world value.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Strong systems engineering background with the ability to draft technical specs and manage system-wide data models.
• Robust foundation in Computer Science or Software Engineering.
• Proven proficiency as a coder in one or more modern programming languages.
• Demonstrated experience in systems integration, schema design, or data modeling within complex environments.
• 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 requiring initiative and high-quality output.

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.
• Hands-on experience developing in disconnected (DDIL), air-gapped, or tactical edge environments.
• Deep curiosity about underlying technical architecture and a "low ego" approach valuing mission outcomes.