Summer 2026
Strategy & Operations Intern
Posted on 5/23/2026
Shield AI
1,001-5,000 employees
Develops AI-powered autonomous defense drone systems
Compensation Overview
$25 - $48/hr
San Francisco, CA, USA
In Person
 Business & Strategy (1) |
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- Currently pursuing a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Business, Economics, Engineering, Finance, Computer Science, or a related field
- Proven record of high performance in demanding environments, including internships, research, startups, student leadership, consulting, finance, engineering, or operating roles
- Exceptional analytical and structured problem-solving skills with the ability to synthesize complex information quickly
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience building presentations, executive summaries, or analytical deliverables
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality work under tight timelines
- Ability to operate independently in ambiguous, fast-moving environments with strong judgment and attention to detail
- Proficiency in Excel/Google Sheets and presentation tools such as PowerPoint or Google Slides
- Authorized to work in the United States and available full-time for a 10-week summer internship
- Drive high-priority projects across AI/autonomy, aerospace systems, international expansion, and strategic growth initiatives
- Break down ambiguous business and operational problems into structured analyses, actionable plans, and measurable outcomes
- Conduct market, competitive, and partnership analysis across commercial, defense, and international sectors
- Partner cross-functionally with engineering, product, finance, operations, and business development teams to drive execution on critical initiatives
- Take ownership of high-impact “important but unowned” problems that improve company execution, communication, and operating cadence
- Prior internship experience in strategy, consulting, investment banking, venture capital, private equity, startups, aerospace, defense, or high-growth technology companies
- Experience building financial models, conducting market analysis, or supporting strategic transactions or fundraising efforts
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex cross-functional projects with measurable outcomes
- Strong interest in AI, autonomy, aerospace, defense technology, or national security
- Evidence of exceptional achievement, including founder experience, nationally competitive programs, published research, top academic performance, or elite leadership roles
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior executives
- Track record of identifying problems proactively and driving execution without needing detailed direction
Shield AI builds AI-powered autonomous systems for defense, focusing on drones and related technologies that can operate without GPS or communications. Its products include autonomous drones and AI software that can sense, plan, and act in complex environments to support military operations while keeping people safe. The company differentiates itself through defense-grade autonomy capabilities, the ability to operate in GPS-denied areas, and a strategic footprint that includes acquisitions (e.g., Martin UAV) and prime roles on large government contracts like the EWAAC program. Its goal is to improve safety and mission effectiveness for defense users by delivering reliable, scalable autonomous systems under government contracts and partnerships.
Company Size
1,001-5,000
Company Stage
Series G
Total Funding
$3.3B
Headquarters
San Diego, California
Founded
2015
Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- India selected V-BAT and Hivemind in January 2026, unlocking localization-driven procurement.
- The U.S. Air Force chose Hivemind for Collaborative Combat Aircraft in 2026.
- Pentagon LUCAS integration expands Shield AI into low-cost swarm warfare software.
What critics are saying
- Anduril already competes for the same autonomy contracts and procurement officers.
- X-BAT development will consume capital for years before proving operational viability.
- U.S. defense budget delays or program cancellations quickly disrupt Shield AI revenue.
What makes Shield AI unique
- Hivemind is deployed in combat and powers aircraft, drones, and crewed systems.
- Aechelon acquisition adds synthetic training and validation for faster autonomy iteration.
- Shield AI spans software, V-BAT hardware, and X-BAT fighter-drone ambitions.
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Your Connections
People at Shield AI who can refer or advise you
Benefits
Medical Insurance Coverage
Long Term Disability Insurance
Health Care FSA and Dependent Care FSA
Employee Assistance Program
Subsidized Gym Membership
Pet Insurance
Competitive Compensation
Retirement Services
Life Insurance
Parental Leave
Bereavement Support
Flexible Work Hours
PTO
Paid Holidays
Commuter Benefits
Relaxed Dress Code
Yearly Swag Items
Unlimited Snacks
Bottomless Beverages
Annual Celebrations
Work From Home Benefits
Standing Desks and Widescreen Monitors
Growth & Insights and Company News
6 month growth
↓ -1%1 year growth
↓ -1%2 year growth
↓ -2%$1.5B raise backs AI autonomy and simulation acquisition. 8 April 2026 Shield AI has announced $1.5 billion in Series G funding, part of which will go towards acquiring Aechelon Technology Inc, a defence software company that specialises in high-fidelity simulation, physics-based sensors and synthetic reality. Aechelon's technology creates the virtual environments used by the U.S. military and allies to train aircrew and test aircraft and autonomous systems before live flight, including support for the Pentagon's Joint Simulation Environment (JSE). Shield AI develops Hivemind, an AI autonomy software that operates military vehicles including F-16s, jet-powered UAVs and helicopters. By acquiring Aechelon, Shield AI brings simulation capability in-house to train and refine Hivemind more effectively. "The acquisition of Aechelon will accelerate the work we are doing with Hivemind, particularly in simulation like the Department of War's JSE," said Shield AI CEO Gary Steele. "It will also help advance our Hivemind Foundation Model for Defense, which is trained in simulation and continuously refined through real-world operations." Hivemind was recently selected by the U.S. Air Force as a mission autonomy provider for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The $1.5 billion Series G values Shield AI at $12.7 billion and is led by Advent International, co-led by JPMorganChase's Security and Resiliency Initiative, with participation from Snowpoint Ventures, InnovationX and Riot Ventures. Funds managed by Blackstone are separately providing $500 million in preferred equity financing, plus a $250 million delayed draw facility. The Aechelon acquisition is expected to close following regulatory approvals. FREE NEWSLETTERS The world's leading authority of safety training news! Civil Aviation Training - Military Simulation & Training - Safety Critical Training
Shield AI raises $2 billion; acquiring software simulation company Aechelon to strengthen AI pilot. Thursday, March 26th, 2026 Shield AI on Thursday said it has raised $2 billion in new funding, including a $1.5 billion Series G round to buy defense software firm Aechelon and continue development of Shield AI's new jet fighter drone. The Series G round was co-led by the global private equity firm Advent International and the Strategic Investment Group of JPMorganChase. Blackstone is also investing $500 million of preferred equity financing, bringing Shield AI's total raise to $2 billion. X-BAT is Shield AI's vertical... Not a subscriber or registered user yet? Please contact us at [email protected] or call us at 888-707-5814 (Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ET.), to start a free trial, get pricing information, order a reprint, or post an article link on your website.
Shield AI draws $2bn in funding as PE sharpens its focus on defensetech. Private equity firms are deepening their bets on the defense technology sector, with a cluster of deals this week underscoring the sector's pull on institutional capital. Advent International has committed up to $1 billion to invest in defense technology companies, starting with a co-lead role in Shield AI's $1.5 billion Series G funding round. Separately, [...] Get the whole story. AW Monthly $39 / Month - Instantly unlock all new and archived articles - Access to AW Research articles & data - Daily, weekly and monthly e-mail newsletters $390 / Year - Everything in Monthly at a 20% discount - Access to AW Research data downloads and annual Manager/Investor Compendiums - Discounts on advertisement rates
Shield AI, builds self-driving technology that enables swarms of unmanned systems to operate on the edge without gps, communications, or remote pilots. Here you'll find information about their funding, investors and team.
SAN DIEGO – March 26, 2026 – Shield AI today announced it is raising $1.5 billion in Series G funding at a $12.7 billion post-money valuation and $500 million in fixed-return preferred equity financing. The Series G is led by Advent International and co-led by the Strategic Investment Group of JPMorganChase’s Security and Resiliency Initiative, […]