Research Intern (Summer 2027)

CNA Corporation; Arlington (VA); Hybrid; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan

Paid time off

Job summary

CNA Corporation is seeking a Research Intern for the summer of 2027 to contribute directly to national security research projects. You will be embedded in real study teams, handling a self-contained project or supporting multiple ongoing studies, with hands-on experience in applying rigorous analysis.

The internship targets graduate students and offers exposure to policy research, defense-related work, and mentorship within a mission-driven environment. Hybrid work arrangements may be available.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a physical science, engineering, operations research, mathematics, statistics, economics, international relations or related discipline; must be enrolled in a graduate program.
• Undergraduate research experience and ability to conduct literature searches, analyses, and write reports are preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in defining and structuring analytical problems.
• Develop sound analytical techniques.
• Carry out analyses to logical conclusions.
• Communicate results both in writing and orally.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences, engineering, operations research, mathematics, statistics, economics, international relations or related discipline; must be enrolled in a graduate program

Tools

Microsoft Office

Database manipulation

Job description

Primary Purpose

Are you passionate about making an impact on national security through deep, meaningful research? We're looking for interns to join CNA in summer of 2027! As a CNA Research Intern, you’ll be embedded in real study teams, contributing directly to projects that support our nation’s defense and security. Interns will take on a self-contained research project or support multiple ongoing studies, gaining hands‑on experience in applying rigorous analysis to critical real‑world challenges.

What You’ll Do

• Collaborate with expert researchers and analysts tackling complex national security issues
• Contribute to high-impact projects that inform defense policy and operations
• Present findings and insights to internal teams and potentially external stakeholders

Who We’re Looking For

• Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees (master’s or PhD)
• Strong interest in policy research, national defense, or security studies
• Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills

Why Choose CNA?

• Work alongside mission-driven experts in a collaborative, intellectually rich environment
• Gain mentorship and networking opportunities that last far beyond the internship

Job Description And/Or Duties

• Assist in the process of defining and structuring analytical problems.
• Develop sound analytical techniques.
• Carry out analyses to logical conclusions.
• Communicate results both in writing and orally.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• Education: Must have a Bachelor’s degree in the physical sciences, engineering, operations research, mathematics, statistics, economics, international relations or related discipline. Must be enrollment in a graduate program.
• Experience: Undergraduate research experience, including conducting literature searches, analyses, and writing reports is required. Graduate-level coursework and experience preferred.
• Skills: Must have experience with database manipulation and Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); good interpersonal and oral and written communication skills; critical thinking and organizational skills.
• Other: Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance. US citizenship is required.
• Remote/Hybrid Work Eligibility: This position is eligible for telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements at the discretion of the Supervisor. Employees may be required to work at CNA headquarters or other work locations resulting in changes to the scheduled telecommuting or hybrid work arrangements.

CNA offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching. Additionally, we provide generous paid time off programs to promote a health work-life balance. Eligibility for these benefits varies based on employment classification.

CNA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service and protected veterans, or other non-merit based factors. In addition to federal legal requirements, CNA complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. These protections extend to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting and hiring practices, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training and career development programs. For more information about EEO protections, please view the EEO is the law posters here: "EEO is the Law" Poster", "EEO Poster Supplement". The pay transparency policy is available here: Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster. To be considered for hire, all individuals applying for positions with CNA are subject to a background investigation. For positions requiring access to classified information, US citizenship is required. Individuals will also be subject to an additional government background investigation, and continued employment eligibility is contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain an active security clearance.