Science & Technology Intern

Systems Planning & Analysis; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 65,904,000 - 94,558,000; Part time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) seeks a Science & Technology Intern to provide onsite support in Alexandria, VA during Fall 2026. The role emphasizes analysis of emerging technologies, data-driven assessment, and preparation of briefing materials for senior defense stakeholders.

You will work part-time (~24+ hours/week) in-person with a multidisciplinary team, applying quantitative methods to wargaming, simulations, and policy analysis to address DoW priorities.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Science, Analytics, Engineering, Operations Research, or related Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program from an accredited institution.
• 0 – 2 years of experience analyzing technical and non-technical problems by developing research questions, implementing appropriate analytical methods, and presenting results
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated multitasking skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Interest in applying quantitative and analytic skills in support of national defense
• U.S. Citizen with an active Secret clearance

Responsibilities

• Analyze emerging disruptive technologies and their potential military impact over the next twenty years.
• Research, identify, and implement analytic methodologies for various initiatives and draft briefing materials for executive audiences.
• Support wargaming, modeling, simulation, policy analysis, and other qualitative methods; contribute to briefing materials for senior leaders.

Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of War (DoW), Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the DoW. These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)), DARPA, Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM. SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for a Science & Technology Intern to provide onsite support in Alexandria, VA during the fall of 2026.

Responsibilities

SPA seeks a passionate, versatile, science and technology-minded Intern to join a high-performance team working to address some of the most critical issues facing the DoW today. Will have a unique opportunity to develop cutting-edge methodologies in a high-impact environment. This work includes analysis and assessment of emerging disruptive technologies and their potential to impact military capabilities over the next twenty years. Other responsibilities include researching, identifying, and implementing analytic methodologies to efforts across the scope of work and assisting in the framing, development, and presentation of analysis including drafting briefing materials and various documents for executive audiences. This individual will work part-time, roughly 24+ hours per week, in-person during the fall semester. Work with our multidisciplinary team to analyze complex problem spaces, including emerging technology, military systems, financial analysis, and geospatial data as examples. Apply or develop quantitative and technical approaches to support wargaming, modeling and simulation, policy analysis, and other qualitative methodologies. Support assessments, wargames, and workshops designed to identify and characterize emerging technologies that can address future military operational problems. Contribute to briefing materials that impact senior defense leader decisions.

Required

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a Science, Analytics, Engineering, Operations Research, or related Bachelor’s or Master’s degree program from an accredited institution
• 0 – 2 years of experience analyzing technical and non-technical problems by developing research questions, implementing appropriate analytical methods, and presenting results
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated multitasking skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
• Interest in applying quantitative and analytic skills in support of national defense
• U.S. Citizen with an active Secret clearance

Desired

• Excellent data gathering and analysis skills
• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Interest in emerging technology with military application

Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $23.00/Hr. - USD $33.00/Hr.