Builder Platform Operations & Communications Intern

About The Engine

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and public benefit organization, The Engine supports Tough Tech founders working to solve the world’s most pressing challenges in climate, health, and advanced systems. We do this through powerful founder programs, access to shared infrastructure and labs, and by convening a national network of corporate partners, investors, and experts.

Bringing together the brightest minds in Tough Tech, The Engine connects regional ecosystem builders to the capital, partners, tools, and support they need to scale. Our tailored support is fueling the growth of ecosystems supported by the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program—a flagship initiative driving regional innovation across the country.

About the Role

The Builder Platform Intern will play a critical support role across communications, community engagement, events, and operations. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, is highly organized, and wants hands-on experience in ecosystem building, innovation policy, and national program delivery.

The intern will work closely with the Operations & Community Manager and broader Engine team to support communications, events, research, and systems management that power the national network.

Reports to: Operations & Community Manager

Hours: Part-time (16-20 hours/week) during the school year , 40 hours in the summer 

Location: Remote (U.S.-based)

• Assist in system and metrics tracking, helping maintain accuracy and timeliness of key reporting data.
• Support team workflows in Airtable, Zapier, Circle, Google Drive, and other core tools.
• Contribute to maintaining and updating shared resource libraries to keep internal operations running smoothly.
• Draft and solicit internal feedback on weekly and monthly newsletters.
• Maintain news, events, funding opportunities, and other regularly updated resources (e.g., Vendor Database, Investor Network).
• Draft content for TBP social media channels, share with the team for review, and coordinate posting with The Engine communications team.
• Support updates to the Builder Platform website, including maintaining content and routing contact form inquiries.
• Provide coordination support for in-person TBP events, including agenda preparation, catering logistics, attendee tracking, and day-of support.
• Support virtual programming and Thursday Sessions, including prepping resources, tracking participation, and collecting follow-up materials.
• Assist in documenting and organizing resources shared in community spaces.
• Conduct targeted research to support NSF Engines—such as ecosystem event scanning, SBIR opportunities, Pitchbook data pulls, and market research.
• Help track and organize relevant data to inform programming and Engine support strategies.
• Assist the TBP team with administrative and coordination tasks, helping reduce the operational burden of core team members.
• Take on ad hoc projects and special initiatives as needed.

• Current 3rd or 4th year undergraduate with an interest in innovation ecosystems, communications, operations or public policy 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with tools such as Google Workspace, Excel and/or Airtable and Linkedin
• A proactive problem-solver who thrives in collaborative, mission-driven environments
• Experience or interest in startups, tech innovation or ecosystem building is a plus

How to Apply 

Please submit your resume and a short note (no more than 250 words) about why you’re interested in supporting The Builder Platform powered by The Engine.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.