Geospatial Intelligence and National Security Technologies Internship Fall 2026

understandingwar; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 10,155 - 12,164; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly stipend of up to $1,000

Potential for academic credit

Job summary

understandingwar is offering a Fall 2026 internship program for motivated college students and recent graduates. Interns will gain hands-on experience in GIS, national security, and intelligence applications while supporting data analysis for ISW's renowned maps.

The role includes a monthly living stipend of up to $1,000 and the opportunity for academic credit. Interns must be authorized to work in the U.S. and present during the internship tenure from September 8 to December 11, 2026.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated expertise in a related field.
• Ability to conduct complex tasks in a timely manner.
• Self-motivated, independent, and able to work in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Use GIS, satellite remote sensing, and data visualization.
• Support data collection and analysis for maps.
• Interact with software partners and receive training.

Skills

GIS software expertise

Excellent writing skills

Oral communication skills

Experience with SQL

Experience with ArcGIS Python (Arcpy)

Education

College student or recent graduate

Tools

Esri's ArcGIS Pro

ArcMap

ArcGIS Online

Neo4J

Babel Street

Ntrepid

Planet Labs

Job description

Overview

ISW Internship Program Overview: ISW is offering in‑person, remote, and hybrid internships for Fall 2026. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) is committed to training the next generation of national security leaders through its innovative educational programs. ISW seeks motivated and experienced college students or recent graduates to join our intern team. ISW offers internships across diverse research portfolios and departments, including Russia, China, and Iran’s proxy networks, National Security & Intelligence Analysis, our Cognitive Warfare Task Force, and Communications.

Responsibilities

• Use Geographic Information Systems (GIS), satellite remote sensing, and data visualization to refine how ISW’s analysts implement these cutting‑edge tools.
• Support data collection, analysis, and visualizations that support ISW’s world‑renowned maps.
• Interact with software partners transforming the national security space and receive training on platforms such as Neo4J, Babel Street, Ntrepid, and Planet Labs.
• Provide hands‑on GIS experience in national security and intelligence applications.

Qualifications

• Candidates must be motivated and organized college students or recent graduates with demonstrated expertise in a related field.
• Candidates must possess excellent writing, editing, and oral communication skills.
• Candidates must possess strong capabilities in GIS software such as Esri's ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, or ArcGIS Online. Experience with SQL or ArcGIS Python (Arcpy), is a plus.
• Candidates must display the ability to conduct complex tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
• Candidates should be self‑motivated, independent, creative, and capable of working in a dynamic and fast‑paced environment.
• Candidates will preferably have a demonstrated interest or expertise in national security issues, particularly Russia, Ukraine, China, or issues in the Middle East.
• Candidates must show commitment to—and interest in—the core mission and values of ISW.

Benefits

Interns receive a supplemental scholarship of up to $1,000 monthly living stipend, classified as taxable income. Interns may also receive academic credit for internships where applicable.

Full‑time internship (five days per week); part‑time work may be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Schedule

Internship starts September 8, 2026 and runs until December 11, 2026. Interns must be authorized to work in the United States and must be physically present in the United States during the internship tenure. Must have CPT authorization if on a student visa.

Email: [e-mail]