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 builds and operates space-based intelligence systems. Founded in 1961, the organization manages satellite technology and launch schedules to support national security. It provides data for military targeting, disaster assessment, and global communications. The agency is based in Chantilly, Virginia.
How to get in at National Reconnaissance Office (NRO)
Applying early to the National Reconnaissance Office gives you a distinct advantage because recruiters review applications as they arrive. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, so you can apply among the first before the pile grows. Getting your materials in before the volume peaks is a practical way to ensure your candidacy is seen. You can reach out to the recruiters behind these roles directly to ask about the position or a referral, which materially improves your response rates. Intern Insider surfaces these specific contacts to help you bypass the standard queue. Connecting with the right person is often more effective than submitting a cold application.



