Intern - Missile Defense Project (Fall 2026)

Center for Strategic and International Studies; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 25,347 - 28,103; Full time

Job summary

Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Missile Defense Project seeks an intern to support its research and operational activities. The role is five days a week (35 hours) with a start date target of September 14, 2026, primarily in-person with some remote flexibility.

The intern will assist with research, data visualization, website updates, and publication support, while developing writing and organizational skills. The position is paid hourly at rates based on education level.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Research assistance for MDP's 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.

Skills

Writing skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Time management

Independent work

Graphic design (Canva)

Education

College junior / graduate student / recent graduate

GPA 3.5+ (US or equivalent)

Tools

Canva

Job description

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 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.

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. The program 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).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• 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

SALARY RANGE

$18.40 - $20.40 USD per hour

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.