MilTech Student Staff 

What is MilTech?

Founded in 2004, MilTech is a research program at Montana State University (MSU) within the Office of Research and Economic Development. We were created via a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) between Montana State University and the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) under the direction of the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), and subsequently with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Simply put, MilTech facilitates technology development for U.S. Government partners. Working as a student staff member with MilTech at MSU means you could be assisting with research, engineering, process improvement, business operations, finance, and more.

What is the MilTech team like? 

Our dynamic and diverse team is comprised of professionals from various fields such as engineering, computer science, business, military, finance, medicine, marketing, and more. Student staff members work on real-world projects, gaining valuable experience and learning from seasoned experts. Together, we assist with on-time delivery of technology and knowledge transition to the U.S. Government.

Does MilTech have opportunities for Military students and veterans?

Nearly one-third of MilTech staff are veterans of the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Army, U.S. Marine Corps, U.S. Navy, or Joint and Special Command. MilTech supports and employs ROTC student staff. MilTech projects support all branches of the U.S. military via the Office of Secretary Defense (OSD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). MilTech is an avid supporter and employer of Military veterans and students.

Does MilTech offer a mentorship program?

Yes! The MilTech mentorship program, in collaboration with the Applied Research Lab (ARL) at MSU, offers a valuable opportunity for growth by matching MilTech and ARL students to staff in mentor-mentee pairs, based on the mentee's interests and initiative. This volunteer-based program aims to prepare mentees for their careers by identifying development areas and skills aligned to career aspirations, and potentially creating an Individual Development Plan (IDP) to set goals and track progress. Meeting at least once a month for six months, pairs are supported with resources and a handbook, maintaining flexibility to suit individual needs. The program can extend beyond six months if both parties agree, or mentees can opt for a new mentor based on their evolving goals. 

Why should I consider working with MilTech at MSU?

MilTech plays a crucial role in assisting the U.S. Government with technology development and advancement, offering a rich learning and professional environment for paid student employees. No matter your major or career goals, MilTech affords student employees with a variety of opportunities that can help you build the skills you will need in your post-graduation career.

Working at MilTech offers student employees numerous benefits, including:

• Competitive pay and flexible schedule to accommodate academic commitments
• Year-round and academic break work options aligned with the MSU schedule
• Mentorship Program opportunities pairing students with seasoned professionals
• Hands-on experience working with diverse projects programs and operations
• Networking opportunities with staff and students, including Military veterans
• Exposure to government and military protocols, and government labs

Interested in learning more? Please contact [email protected] to learn more about opportunities at MilTech. 

What do current students have to say?

Our student staff is fun, bright, and has a variety of interests and goals! We strive to create opportunities for our student team members to engage and encourage one another along their college and career journey. Discover the experiences and testimonials of our students and learn more about the impact of working at MilTech!

 

Macy Fitzgerald

Project Delivery Associate, MilTech Medical Group

 

Major: Industrial & Management Systems Engineering

Since joining MilTech as a student employee in 2021, Macy has leveraged the mentorship program to gain insights from industry professionals, guiding her through college and career decisions. Engaging in three distinct mentorship pairs, each offered her tailored advice and perspectives. Her initial mentorship illuminated the value of pursuing a master's degree for her personal and professional growth. The subsequent pairing supported her through her master's project and eased the transition from academia to the workforce. The final mentorship focused on strategies for entering the workforce, providing Macy with invaluable insights and advice tailored to her unique questions and circumstances. Macy's journey through these mentorships was highly personalized, reflecting her evolving goals and needs. Macy said, “I highly recommend the mentorship program to other students because of its direct, real-world insights and the unique preparation it offers for life after university.”

Ethan Ritchie

Project Delivery Associate, MilTech Operations Team

Major: Industrial & Management Systems Engineering

Since joining MilTech in 2023, Ethan has valued the chance to work on military projects and says, “there’s always something to learn with how broad the MilTech project base is.”  As a Project Delivery Associate, Ethan assists with work on internal process improvement projects. He’s currently assisting with two efforts to map current and future state processes and assisting in the development of a project database system with an emphasis on automation. His work has enhanced his professional growth and college experience as he can work on projects that have a real impact, something student interns are not often afforded. Ethan enjoys the meaningful work and positive culture at MilTech, which aligns with his career goals and allows for a balance between school, work, and outdoor leisure activities with friends.