The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) invites ambitious students to apply for the 2026 Summer Internship Program in Chantilly, Virginia. This opportunity offers hands-on experience in contracting, financial management, and technical fields that support some of the nation’s most critical space-based intelligence missions.
For more than 60 years, NRO has been at the forefront of designing, launching, and managing satellites that safeguard America’s security and provide cutting-edge intelligence. Interning with the NRO means stepping into an organization that has shaped the future of space reconnaissance and national defense.
A Paid Internship That Shapes Future Leaders
The NRO Summer Internship Program is a full-time, 10-week paid appointment running from June to August 2026. Interns gain exposure to high-impact projects, professional training, and development opportunities. With strong performance, students may be invited back in future summers.
This program is designed for students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees who want to explore career paths aligned with their academic focus while contributing to national security.
What You Can Expect During the Program
Real Projects That Make an Impact
Every intern is assigned a project tailored to their field of study or aligned with mission needs. Students experience both independent work and collaboration while receiving direct mentorship and ongoing feedback.
Professional Growth Opportunities
Throughout the summer, interns participate in events that broaden their understanding of the intelligence community. Activities include:
- Speaker sessions with NRO leaders
- Security Q&A sessions
- Overviews of NRO missions and capabilities
Who Should Apply
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- U.S. citizenship
- Enrollment as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited institution
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
- At least 24 completed credit hours (for undergraduates)
- Availability in Chantilly, VA, for the full program duration
- Ability to pass a drug test and background investigation to qualify for a TS/SCI clearance
Preferred qualifications include strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills, as well as prior experience in space-related or intelligence community fields.
Career Tracks Available
The program offers three primary career fields.
Contracting Pathway
Interns in this track help manage the lifecycle of government contracts. Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting contract negotiations, administration, and performance monitoring
- Developing procurement plans and acquisition strategies
- Preparing statements of work and solicitation documents
Financial Management Pathway
This track focuses on budget planning and execution within federal systems. Interns learn to:
- Forecast and analyze budget needs
- Apply appropriations law in budget management
- Use financial tools to track and report expenditures
- Support acquisitions with financial analysis and forecasting
Technical Pathway
Students with technical expertise contribute to engineering, IT, data science, and program analysis. Opportunities include:
- Conducting technical research and evaluations
- Supporting program planning and risk management
- Assisting in the design, testing, and integration of systems
- Developing analytic models and prototypes under supervision
Salary and Locations
Compensation is based on education level and federal pay scales for the Washington, D.C., metro area:
- Bachelor’s degree candidates – $58,300 annually
- Master’s degree candidates – $64,788 annually
- Doctoral candidates – $79,246 annually
Most positions are located in Chantilly, Virginia, with additional opportunities at Buckley Air Force Base in Colorado, Fort Belvoir in Virginia, and White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico for technical interns.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit:
- A detailed resume highlighting education and relevant experience
- An unofficial transcript at the time of application (official transcript required if selected)
Transcripts must include the student’s name, institution, GPA, and completed credits. Incomplete transcripts cannot be accepted.
The application window closes on 5 October 2025.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The NRO is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, gender, disability, or veteran status. Reasonable accommodations are available during the hiring process.
Why This Internship Stands Out
The NRO Summer Internship Program is more than just an entry point into federal service. It is a chance to contribute to work that safeguards the nation while gaining skills and mentorship that open doors for future careers.
Students with a passion for innovation, problem-solving, and service will find this program an unmatched stepping stone toward professional growth in intelligence, finance, and technology. Visit the official NRO careers page for more details.
