Intern - Missile Defense Project (Fall 2026)

The CSIS Missile Defense Project (MDP) focuses on some of the most important and growing segments of the defense market: air and missile defense, conventional strike, and advanced technology. Since 2015, MDP has leveraged its expertise in these areas to provide bold and timely policy recommendations. Directed by Dr. Tom Karako, MDP is housed within CSIS Defense and Security Department.

MDP is seeking an intern to support its research and operational activities. Theprogram is looking to hire an intern for a preferred start date of September 14, 2026. The intern is expected to work five days a week, Monday through Friday, for a total of 35 hours/week. The position will be predominantly in-person with some flexibility for remote work possible. The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.40/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.40/hour for hires with a bachelor's degree, and $20.40/hour for hires with a master's degree).

• Research assistance for MDP's various publications and products;
• Updating the project's website, missilethreat.csis.org;
• Assist with data collection, management, and visualizations;
• Assist in event planning, preparations, and staffing;
• Copyediting support for written publications;
• Assist with other administrative tasks as needed;
• Ability to commit to working full-time (35 hours/week) for at least three months consecutively.

• Must be at least a college junior, graduate student, or a recent graduate;
• Must have at least a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non-U.S. institution;
• Interest or experience in missile defense, nuclear policy, or emerging technologies;
• 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;
• Eligible to work in the United States.