About the role#
The Dr. Chris Scolese Summer Internship Program at the National Reconnaissance Office offers students the chance to gain experience in a professional environment. Interns are full-time employees for a 10-week period from June through August. You will work on projects that align with mission needs, receiving training and guidance throughout the summer to support your professional growth. Successful completion of the program may lead to opportunities for future summer appointments.
What you'll do#
- Complete a project aligned with NRO mission requirements.
- Participate in professional development, including speaker series and mission overviews.
- Perform tasks under direct supervision while receiving regular feedback.
- Demonstrate effective project coordination and implementation.
- Analyze and synthesize information to support problem-solving efforts.
What you'll need#
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Full-time enrollment in an undergraduate or graduate program at an accredited institution.
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
- Completion of at least 24 credit hours for undergraduate applicants.
- Availability for the full 10-week program from June to August.
- Majors including Aerospace Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or Operations Management.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening and background investigation for a security clearance.
Location & details#
- Location: Chantilly, Virginia.
- Modality: On-site.
- Status: Full-time, paid internship.
About National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
The National Reconnaissance Office is a government agency that manages space-based intelligence systems for the United States. Founded in 1961, the organization develops satellite technology to support national security and humanitarian missions. It provides surveillance data to military, intelligence, and policy stakeholders. The agency operates out of Chantilly, Virginia.
How to get in at National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
Applying early to the National Reconnaissance Office provides a distinct advantage, as hiring managers often review initial submissions before the candidate pool becomes crowded. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, ensuring you can submit your materials among the first. This timing helps your application get seen before the pile grows. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the recruiters behind these roles directly to ask about the position or a referral. Intern Insider surfaces the specific recruiters managing these openings, which allows you to move beyond the standard application queue and make a professional connection.
