DoW Forward Deployed Engineer Intern

Research Innovations • Fort Lewis, WA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Research Innovations, Inc. (RII) develops software for government and military customers using agile development practices and user-centered design. The DoW Forward Deployed Engineer Intern will learn the Forward Deployed Engineer role within the CJADC2 business area through a SkillBridge or Career Skills internship program. The intern will help translate operational requirements into software solutions and learn to support platform architecture, data ontology, schema coordination, and integration strategy. The role is hybrid to Joint Base Lewis McChord and requires an active U.S. Top Secret clearance with SCI eligibility. Applicants must be approved for a SkillBridge or Career Skills internship program through their military branch.

Requirements

• At least 1 year of relevant post-college software engineering or development experience.
• Strong systems engineering background, including the ability to draft technical specifications and manage system-wide data models.
• A strong foundation in Computer Science or Software Engineering.
• Proficiency in one or more modern programming languages.
• Demonstrated experience in systems integration, schema design, or data modeling in complex environments.
• Experience building, deploying, and maintaining software that handles data, logic, and operational complexity.
• Experience engaging with non-technical stakeholders or mission users to turn abstract requirements into code.
• Success in unstructured, rapidly evolving environments requiring initiative and high-quality output.
• Active U.S. Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Approval for a SkillBridge or Career Skills internship program through the applicant's military branch.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced expertise in data structures, storage systems, cloud infrastructure such as AWS or Azure, and container orchestration such as Kubernetes.
• Practical experience with large-scale data and AI/ML libraries for operational challenges.
• Hands-on development experience in disconnected (DDIL), air-gapped, or tactical-edge environments.
• Curiosity about underlying technical architecture and a low-ego approach that prioritizes the mission outcome.

Responsibilities

• Learn to architect and design scalable solutions for complex technical problems in cloud and disconnected tactical-edge environments.
• Develop applications using languages such as Python, Java, C++, and TypeScript, and work on data pipelines and schema ontologies for large-scale integration.
• Translate mission-critical operational workflows into technical requirements and engineering specifications.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to move projects from ideation and prototyping through secure deployment.
• Learn to lead systems integration efforts connecting modern software with legacy military C2 and targeting platforms.
• Troubleshoot system-of-systems architecture at the tactical edge.
• Iterate on solutions using direct user feedback to deliver measurable operational value.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules
• Health insurance coverage
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness programs
• Community game room, pantry, massage chair, and escape room at offices including headquarters
• Community ambassadors and regular community events

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern