2027 Dr. Chris Scolese Summer Internship Program

WE ARE THE NRO

For over 60 years, the NRO has developed, acquired, launched, and operated the satellites that are the foundation for America’s advantage and strength in space. Using a diversified architecture of spacecraft, NRO collects and delivers the best space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance content on the planet. Learn more at nro.gov.

Basic Eligibility For A Position With The NRO

• Be a U.S. Citizen
• Be suitable for federal employment, as determined by a background investigation
• Be able to obtain and hold a TS/SCI security clearance, including a polygraph
• Have favorable results on a pre‑employment drug test
• Register for the Selective Service System if male, over 18 years of age and born after Dec 31, 1959

NRO Summer Intern Program

The NRO Summer Internship Program provides students pursuing education with paid opportunities to work at the NRO and explore career paths related to their academic field of study or career interest. Interns will receive training and guidance to prepare them to support NRO projects and initiatives.

Summer interns are full‑time employees on a temporary appointment for the period of 10 weeks between June and August. With a successful evaluation at the end of the summer, there may be an opportunity to return during subsequent summers based on mission requirements, continued eligibility, and the student’s availability.

What You Will Be Doing

Intern Projects: Each intern will be given a project to complete that aligns with mission need. Specific duties will expose individuals to independent and team‑oriented work opportunities. Each intern performs under direct supervision and will be provided feedback on a regular and timely basis.

Professional Development and Training: Throughout the summer, NRO interns will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of professional development and training experiences. Some of these events include speaker series with NRO seniors, Security Q&A sessions, and NRO mission overviews.

Who May Apply

To be eligible for the program, the requirements include:

• Be enrolled full‑time in an undergraduate or graduate degree program at an accredited college or university.
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
• Undergraduates must have completed a minimum of 24 credit hours at the time of application.
• Provide an unofficial transcript at the time of application and an official transcript upon acceptance into the program from the academic institution.
• Be available for an interview and other applicable processing.
• NRO prohibits illegal drug involvement during employment, regardless of state level legalization, and requires a passing pre‑employment drug screening. Prior drug use is carefully evaluated.
• Be available, and geographically located near Chantilly, Virginia for the 10‑week summer program from June – August.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Good organization and planning skills and be able to demonstrate effective project coordination and implementation based on past work or school experiences.
• Possess deductive reasoning skills and be able to analyze and synthesize information for problem‑solving.

Locations

• Chantilly, Virginia (All positions)
• Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado (Technical Career Field only)
• Fort Belvoir, Virginia (Technical Career Field only)
• White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico (Technical Career Field only)

Salary

2026 Salary Range for Washington D.C. Metro Area:

• Bachelor’s Degree: GG-06, Step 05 - $58,884 per year
• Master’s Degree: GG-07, Step 05 - $65,435 per year
• Doctorate: GG-09, Step 05 - $80,041 per year

Federal pay is a combination of base and locality pay which is based on the geographic location of where you work.

These positions are Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS) positions in the Expected Service under Title 10 USC 1601.

Technical

Provides technical expertise in support of acquisition, operations, mission support, launch, and other NRO missions. Offers knowledge and experience in a broad range of technical domains and specialties including research, design,