We Are the NRO For over 60 years, the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has developed and operated the satellites that provide America with its space-based intelligence advantage. The NRO collects and delivers the best intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance content. Learn more at nro.gov.
Basic Eligibility for a Position with the NRO
Be a U.S. citizen
Pass a background investigation and obtain a TS/SCI clearance with polygraph
Pass a pre-employment drug test
Register for Selective Service (if male, born after Dec 31, 1959)
NRO Summer Intern Program The NRO Summer Internship Program offers paid opportunities for students in fields like Contracts, Financial Management, Mission Support, Security, and more. Interns gain hands-on experience and training, working full-time for 10 weeks (June-August). Successful interns may return in future summers based on mission requirements.
Benefits Available to Interns
Onsite workout facility and paid fitness time
Flexible work schedules
Professional recognition and NRO University access
Potential conversion to full-time employment upon graduation
What You Will Be Doing
Intern Projects: Interns work on projects aligned with their academic background and NRO needs, receiving regular feedback and supervision.
Professional Development: Interns participate in speaker series, security Q&As, and NRO mission briefings.
External Events: Potential visits to partner agencies such as DIA, NGA, and NSA.
Who May Apply
Enrolled full-time in an undergraduate/graduate program with a minimum GPA of 3.0
Undergraduates must have completed 24 credit hours
Available for a drug test, interview, and the 10-week summer program in the Washington D.C. area
Preferred candidates possess strong communication, organization, and deductive reasoning skills, with relevant past experience.
What You Need to Apply
Resume and transcript (unofficial acceptable at application, official required upon selection)
Transcripts must include name, institution, GPA, and credit hours
Internship Locations
Chantilly, VA (all fields)
Fort Belvoir/Springfield, VA, White Sands, NM, and Aurora, CO (Technical career field only)
Salary 2024 Washington D.C. area salary ranges:
Bachelor's Degree: $57,037/year or $27.33/hour
Master's Degree: $63,381/year or $30.37/hour
Doctorate: $77,525/year or $37.15/hour
Application Information Interns are placed in one of six career fields based on their application (Contracts, Financial Management, Mission Support, Security, etc.).
Trial Period New employees must serve a two-year trial period.
Veterans' Preference Veterans' preference is applied in accordance with DoD guidelines.
Equal Employment Opportunity The U.S. Government does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or other factors.
Reasonable Accommodation The NRO provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities, as required under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Privacy Act Notice Personal information is used to determine qualifications for employment under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
For more information or to request accommodations, email InternPrograms@nro.mil