IAE Event Assistant Intern - Summer 2026

SOFWERX is a venue operated under an agreement between the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and DEFENSEWERX, designed to increase collaboration and innovation to solve the most difficult warfighter problems. SOFWERX is a forum for accelerating delivery of innovative capability, and facilitating capability refinement through exploration, experimentation, and assessment of promising technology. SOFWERX is in the heart of Ybor City, at a neutral, easily accessible facility. The internship program is administered by USF Institute of Applied Engineering. Upon hire, you will be considered both a USF IAE Temporary Employee and a SOFWERX student intern. Because this internship is partially funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and candidates may work with Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), U.S. citizenship is required. Time commitment Hours of operation are 8:00am to 5:00pm Monday thru Friday. This position requires a minimum of 15 hours and a maximum of 20 hours per week during the Fall/Spring semesters and a minimum of 20 hours and a maximum of 29 hours per week during the Summer semester. This internship is in-person with limited remote work opportunities. Opportunities Engage in employee events, such as team building Build resume and explore career options Apply skills and knowledge to the workplace Gain valuable networking skills by connecting with industry professionals and community leaders during events Upon completion of the internship, a letter of recommendation can be provided upon request Opportunity for follow-on internship based on performance Pay Rate $17.00/hour U.S. citizenship is required due to Department of Defense funding and potential access to Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Must be actively enrolled in an undergraduate program at an accredited local University Junior or Senior level, with current GPA of 3.0 or above Strong technical and organizational skills along with excellent written and verbal communication skills Excellent attention to detail and ability to work under tight deadlines Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort with event management tools (e.g., Excel, Outlook, or form builder platforms) Professional demeanor and ability to interact confidently with internal and external partners High level of integrity, accuracy, dependability, enthusiasm, and confidentiality Experience in Basic Website Building, Canva, or other design program Support the planning, coordination, and execution of USSOCOM-sponsored events, Q&A Telecons, and meetings hosted at SOFWERX. Assist in planning internal events such as team builders, monthly birthday celebrations, intern/director luncheons, employee/intern send-offs, and holiday parties. Assist with logistical preparation, including scheduling, budget management, catering coordination, space setup, signage, and attendee check-in. Create and maintain event materials, such as agendas, name tags, seating charts, and promotional collateral. Collaborate with the events and marketing teams to ensure branding consistency and professional presentation at all events. Manage event registration systems and guest communications, including invitations and confirmations. Provide on-site event support, including basic IT support such as video conference platform set-up, guest assistance, and teardown. Assist with post-event activities such as feedback collection, photo/video documentation, and reporting. Assist with front-of-house responsibilities such as: taking inventory of SOFWERX gear/snacks, operating the front desk, restocking snack and coffee bar, keeping front-of-house organized, answering phone calls, and selling SOFWERX gear. Must participate in weekly market research and submit minimum required entries for new capabilities, technologies, companies, organizations, etc. that could contribute to the innovative ideas needed to create solutions for the warfighter.