Policy Intern - Summer 2027

Systems Planning and Analysis; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) invites motivated policy interns to join the Strategic Systems Analysis Group in Alexandria, VA.

You will support development and execution of SSAG efforts on National Security topics, helping craft papers, presentations, and briefs for defense programs and Navy customers. Ideal candidates are pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's in history, political science, or related fields, with strong writing and communication skills, proficiency in MS Office, and a

Qualifications

• US Citizenship required and ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
• Pursuing Bachelor's or Master's degree in history, political science, government, international relations, or related field.
• Strong written and oral communication skills with ability to synthesize data clearly.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) for decision makers.
• Ability to report to a designated work location in Alexandria, VA, up to full time, based on customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Decomposing complex issues into clear problem statements and linking analysis to the issue.
• Drafting white papers to support decision analysis.
• Assisting in development of briefings, memos, and other contract deliverables.

Skills

US Citizenship

Bachelor's/Master's degree

Strong communication

MS Office proficiency

On-site in Alexandria

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in history/political science/government/international relations

Tools

Microsoft Office

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, producingResults that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Strategic Division (SD) supports high-reliability organizations including Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. Our support across our client base is expanding rapidly and encompasses important services, such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, cost estimating, earned value management, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention.

The Strategic Systems Analysis Group (SSAG) provides multiple organizations within the Department of War with timely and objective assessments and recommendations that integrate technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis. We focus on key clients in the undersea community including Navy's Strategic Systems Programs (SSP). We work to provide integrated solutions based on information and communications throughout the chain of command to ensure clear and consistent analysis and recommendations that are aligned to strategic and leadership goals while still being executable by the working level technical communities.

Timeline for intern selection:

• Applications can be submitted and will be reviewed until 15 November 2026.
• Interviews will be ongoing and conclude by 13 December 2026.
• Offers/decisions will be extended by 20 December 2026.

Responsibilities

The policy intern will support the development and execution of various efforts within SSAG. The policy intern will perform work on various National Security topics in support of a range of defense nuclear enterprise and Navy customers. They will work on complex analytical studies and develop papers that analyze or recommend positions on issues and develop presentation materials necessary for policy execution. They will research, analyze, and synthesize information from Navy and national strategic documents, research and development, and acquisition programs to help develop policy recommendations and support to clients.

The successful policy intern will be expected to provide relevant, objective, timely, and clear analytical support to SSAG customers to help them make better decisions. The policy intern will be able to work collaboratively to analyze and synthesize information, propose solutions, and prepare written papers for the customer. They will possess an inquisitive mind, a desire to broaden their skills, and be open to new, challenging problems that may stretch them to achieve success.

Tasks include, but are not limited to:

• Decomposing complex issues into simplified problem statements and clearly and explicitly connecting analysis to specific aspects of the issue.
• Drafting white papers to support decision analysis.
• Assisting in the development of briefings, memos, and other contract deliverables.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• US Citizenship required and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
• Working toward a Bachelor's or Master's degree in history, political science, government, international relations, or related field.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with a bility to synthesize data and communicate clearly via written and verbal means.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to communicate to decision makers.
• Ability to report to designated work location in Alexandria, VA, up to full time, based on the needs of the customer.

Desired Qualifications:

• Active DoD Secret Clearance.
• Knowledge of the nuclear enterprise.
• Knowledge of, or experience with, the Presidential budget planning and execution processes.
• Proactive interest in learning new skills and engaging new challenges.
• Strong customer service skills, with interest in proactively anticipating and addressing client needs.

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.