Public Affairs & Policy Intern

Overview Energy; United States; Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Hybrid work

Mentorship

Job summary

Overview Energy in the Northern Virginia region is seeking a Public Affairs & Policy Intern to research the policy landscape governing space solar energy operations and translate it into CONOPS language for the engineering team.

You will identify DoW sites for testing, prepare briefing materials, draft an operator manual for warfighters, and create clear warfighter-facing materials that explain this emerging technology. This is a paid, hybrid internship with mentorship and flexible scheduling.

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor’s or master’s program in public policy, government, international affairs, communications
• Demonstrated interest in defense, space, or energy policy
• Clear, fast writing for non-expert audiences
• Comfortable with primary source research
• Able to commit 3–5 hours per week Sep 2026–Mar 2027

Responsibilities

• Research U.S. policy and regulation governing space operations and ground-based beacon operations, translate into CONOPS language
• Identify and profile DoW sites for present and future testing, including access, airspace, and environmental considerations
• Support warfighter engagement: prepare briefing material, capture feedback, route into CONOPS and design
• Draft an operator manual written for the warfighter, not the engineer
• Create warfighter and DoW engagement materials that simplify unfamiliar technology
• Track DoW expectations against output and flag gaps early

Education

Bachelor's or Master's program in Public Policy / Government / International Affairs / Communications

Job description

About Overview Energy

Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to building a new layer of energy infrastructure: satellites in geosynchronous orbit that redirect solar energy to terrestrial solar projects via passively safe near-infrared light. We're in the earliest phase, where the operating concept and every warfighter conversation helps to define how this technology is used. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia / Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.

About the Role

We're looking for a Public Affairs & Policy Intern to answer a question nobody has answered yet: what rules govern space solar energy operations, and how does a warfighter actually operate the system?

In support of a Department of War (DoW) energy investment program, you'll research the policy landscape for space and beacon operations and turn it into concrete CONOPS language. You'll research DoW sites for present and future testing. And you'll build the material that makes this technology legible to the people who would use it to feed our broader space solar energy operational guide.

What You'll Do

• Research U.S. policy and regulation governing space operations and ground-based beacon operations, and translate it into CONOPS language the engineering team can design against
• Identify and profile DoW sites for present and future testing, including access, airspace, and environmental considerations
• Support warfighter engagement: prepare briefing material, capture feedback in the room, and route it back into CONOPS and design
• Draft an operator manual written for the warfighter, not the engineer
• Create warfighter and DoW engagement materials that make an unfamiliar technology easy to understand quickly
• Track DoW expectations against what we're producing, and flag gaps early

What We're Looking For From You

• Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program in public policy, government, international affairs, communications, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated interest in defense, space, or energy policy - coursework, clubs, writing, or prior internships all count
• Clear, fast writing for non-expert audiences: you can turn a dense directive into a paragraph an operator will actually read
• Comfortable with primary source research - statute, DoW directives, and federal regulatory frameworks
• Able to commit 3-5 hours per week from September 2026 through March 2027 with potential extended work time based on the needs of the program; schedule is flexible

We Have a Strong Preference For

• ROTC participation, prior military service, or coursework in military operations and doctrine
• Internship or fellowship experience on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch, or with DoW
• Experience producing briefing-grade materials: one-pagers, decks, manuals, or visual explainers
• Familiarity with laser safety, space systems, and/or airspace coordination
• Interest in a longer-term career in the Executive Branch or the military

Internship Details

This is a paid, part-time internship running September 2026 through March 2027 at 3-5 hours per week, with a flexible schedule and hybrid work out of our Northern Virginia headquarters. Hourly rate: $30-$40.

You’ll be mentored directly by the team leading our government engagement, and your work is a funded DoW deliverable, not a side project.

ITAR Requirements

This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Overview Energy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented groups often only apply for roles where they meet every listed qualification.