Intern - Missile Defense Project (Spring 2026)

About the job
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 Missile Defense Project (MDP) is seeking an intern to support its research activities. MDP assesses critical issues on air and missile defense, long-range strike, sensors, and emerging military technologies.

The program is looking to hire an intern for a March 30, 2026, start date. 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.

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 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.
Knowledge, education, and experience
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.
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 résumé, cover letter, and college transcript.

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

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

Apply
About Us CSIS is a bipartisan, nonprofit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C. The Center’s 220 full-time staff and large network of affiliated scholars conduct research and analysis and develop policy initiatives that look to the future and anticipate change.
We are an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color or any other protected class.