Intern - Aerospace Security Project (Spring 2026)

Internships

Washington, DC

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ID: 1736-233

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Full-Time/Regular

JOB SUMMARY:

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

The CSIS Aerospace Security Project (ASP) is seeking an intern to support its research and administrative needs. ASP focuses on issues related to space security, air dominance, commercial and civil space.

The program is looking to hire either a full- or part-time intern for an April 13, 2026, start date.

The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.00/hour for hires with a master’s degree).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the following:

RESEARCH AND WRITING (60%)

• Conduct literature reviews, and compile and analyze data for ongoing research projects;

• Provide other research, writing, and editing support for various reports and documents;

• Support written products through background research, copy-editing, and editing citations as necessary;

• Collaborate with and support multiple staff members on different research projects on topics ranging from air dominance, cislunar activities, international space policy, space sustainability, space security, U.S. Space Force strategy and missions, and more;

• Draft outreach and promotional content;

• Discover, clean, organize, and analyze various data sources, such as Department of Defense or NASA budget data, space launch data, satellite telemetry data, finance and investment projections, or counterspace weapons data.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES (40%)

• Support content on LinkedIn, X, the CSIS website, and Aerospace Security (aerospace.csis.org);

• Assist in preparation for meetings, private and public events, and conferences;

• Tracking relevant legislation and public announcements in the aerospace sector;

• Perform ad hoc requests and other duties as necessary in support of staff members.

KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE:

• Either currently enrolled in a PhD, master’s or bachelor’s program; or has recently graduated with a B.A., B.S., M.A., PhD or equivalent;

• Interest or experience in aerospace, space science, defense, or national security;

• Excellent record in an academic or research environment;

• Strong writing, organizational, communication, and time management skills;

• Ability to work independently;

• Experience in graphic design or illustrating software such as Canva is a plus;

• Preference for applicants with technical expertise in coding, satellite modeling, and performance analysis of aerospace systems.

• Eligible to work in the United States.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Equal Opportunity Employer.

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should submit a single combined PDF of their résumé, cover letter, and writing sample (3-5 pages). Applications which are not submitted as a single combined PDF will not be considered.

To submit an application for this position, click the “Apply” button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.

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