45Drives USA Applied AI R&D Intern

Location: Wilmington, NC

Duration: 4 Months (May–September; flexible around school requirements)

Term: Paid Internship, Full-Time (40 hours/week)

Start Date: ASAP

Are you a student or recent graduate passionate about artificial intelligence and its real-world applications?

Are you excited to join a growing team where your ideas and innovations can directly influence internal processes, product development, and company strategy?

45Drives, a division of Protocase Inc., is seeking a highly motivated R&D Intern to support our U.S. operations in Wilmington, NC. This internship will focus on developing AI-powered software tools and automation solutions that improve internal workflows and provide strategic insights across departments.

About Us:

Full transparency: We work a little differently around here.

This isn’t the kind of internship where you fade into the background. At 45Drives, we come to work every day because we believe people deserve to earn a living in a meaningful way - and to make an impact with what they contribute. Too many people work without purpose or joy, and we think that’s just wrong. We spend a third of our lives working; why wouldn’t we build workplaces where people want to be in the morning and feel good when they leave?

45Drives builds enterprise data storage solutions using open-source software and commodity hardware, empowering customers with affordable, flexible alternatives to traditional vendors. As part of Protocase Inc., we operate at the intersection of manufacturing, engineering, and software innovation.

At 45Drives, your ideas don’t just matter—they shape where we’re going. We thrive on collaboration, transparency, and innovation. Every voice is heard, valued, and capable of creating real change.

👉 Learn more about how we work differently here: https://workdifferently.info/

What You'll Do:

Develop AI-powered tools to enhance company processes, decision-making, and customer experiences.

Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, production, and sales teams to clarify technical requirements that influence quoting accuracy, cost, and lead times.

Build internal dashboards and reporting tools to visualize quote volumes, track profitability trends, and support quoting team performance.

Support operational strategy by assisting management with financial modeling, scenario analysis, and pricing tools.

Help identify and implement automation opportunities in administrative and operational workflows.

Gain hands-on experience in a growing tech company known for open-source hardware and a collaborative culture.

Work directly with senior leadership and cross-functional teams on meaningful projects.

Be part of a company that values curiosity, initiative, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For:

A student or recent graduate in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or a related discipline.

Demonstrated interest in AI, machine learning, or process automation.

Strong analytical skills and familiarity with tools like Python, SQL, Excel, or BI platforms (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).

Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a problem-solving mindset.

Ability to work in-person at our Wilmington, NC office.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us:

Available to Interns:

🏋️‍♂️ Wellness – Access to gym memberships and wellness initiatives
🎓 Training & Growth – Skill-building, mentorship, and leadership opportunities
🎉 Social Events – Team activities, fun events, and celebrations
🏅 Recognition – A culture of acknowledging great work and great people
🛍️ Community Discounts – Perks at local shops and restaurants
🌄 Common Sense Lifestyle – A close-knit, people-first culture—Cape Breton values, U.S. edition
💵 Compensation – An hourly rate of $19-$25 USD, plus potential for additional incentives following entry-level training

Available if You Join Us Full-Time:

🩺 Health & Retirement – Medical, dental, life insurance, and employer-matched 401K
🏖️ Vacation – Two weeks to start, increasing with tenure

Ready to Work Differently?

If you're ready to bring AI innovation to the real world and help shape the future of 45Drives' U.S. operations, we want to hear from you!