MISSION

The Parallax Advanced Research Mission is to deliver innovative research and provide technology, human, and business solutions via The Science of Intelligent Teaming™ for government, industry, and academic clients with critical challenges.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Subject Matter Expert (SME) Intern will play a critical supporting role in evaluating the innovation pipeline, and strategic technical engagement efforts of the OnRamp Hub’s programming for the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU), Department of War (DoW) mission partners, and non-traditional industry stakeholders.

This intern will contribute domain expertise in aerospace and engineering to help evaluate dual-use technologies, support technical assessments of early-stage solutions, and strengthen communication between government partners and commercial innovators. The role offers a unique opportunity to engage with cutting-edge technologies and national security innovation ecosystems.

This is an exciting opportunity for a student with a strong technical background and an interest in defense innovation, emerging technologies, or aerospace systems to gain hands-on experience at the intersection of defense and innovation.

This internship is available immediately and will run until the end of the current academic year (May 2026), with a potential to extend through the summer or fall semesters of 2026 (December 2026).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:

Technical Assessment and Subject Matter Expertise

• Provide technical insights and expertise in aerospace systems and engineering domains to support program evaluations and solution assessments.

• Participate in the review and analysis of technical capabilities from startups and non-traditional vendors.

• Assist in identifying promising dual-use technologies aligned with DIU and/or DoW mission needs.

Innovator Engagement Support

• Help facilitate conversations between technical innovators and relevant stakeholders by translating complex engineering concepts into clear, mission-relevant insights.

• Support the development of technical briefing materials and memos to inform government partners of emerging opportunities.

• Attend relevant meetings and events to capture key takeaways and technical considerations.

Program Operations and Research

• Conduct landscape analysis of current aerospace and engineering technologies relevant to mission partner priorities.

• Assist the team with maintaining a database of emerging companies, R&D trends, and innovation partners in the aerospace and defense ecosystem.

• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives, reports, or documentation related to program support and innovation engagement.

• Support other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES)

• Currently enrolled in a degree program in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Foundational knowledge of aerospace systems, propulsion, avionics, autonomous systems, or other relevant technical areas.

• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to understand and communicate complex technical content.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, particularly in translating engineering concepts for non-technical audiences.

• Interest in national security, dual-use technology, and the intersection of commercial innovation and defense.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

• Availability to work a minimum of 10 hours and up to 20 hours per week on site.

• Must be a US citizen with no need for sponsorship.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

This is an on-site role based in Columbus, OH. The position requires:

• Ability to sit, type, and participate in virtual or in-person meetings.

• Occasional lifting, bending, and walking short distances.

• Ability to lift and carry up to 20lbs short distances.

• Strong cognitive focus and communication skills for multitasking, scheduling, and facilitation.

Reasonable accommodations will be made in accordance with ADA regulations

Parallax Advanced Research is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.