Intern - Missile Defense Project (Fall 2026)
About this role
JOB SUMMARY
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 275 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe.
The CSIS Missile Defense Project (MDP) focuses on some of the most important and growing segments of the defense market: air and missile defense, conventional strike, and advanced technology. Since 2015, MDP has leveraged its expertise in these areas to provide bold and timely policy recommendations. Directed by Dr. Tom Karako, MDP is housed within CSIS Defense and Security Department.
MDP is seeking an intern to support its research and operational activities. The program is looking to hire an intern for a preferred start date of September 14, 2026. The intern is expected to work five days a week, Monday through Friday, for a total of 35 hours/week. The position will be predominantly in-person with some flexibility for remote work possible. The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.40/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.40/hour for hires with a bachelor’s degree, and $20.40/hour for hires with a master’s degree).
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Research assistance for MDP’s various publications and products;
- Updating the project’s website, missilethreat.csis.org;
- Assist with data collection, management, and visualizations;
- Assist in event planning, preparations, and staffing;
- Copyediting support for written publications;
- Assist with other administrative tasks as needed;
- Ability to commit to working full-time (35 hours/week) for at least three months consecutively.
KNOWLEDGE, EDUCATION, AND EXPERIENCE
- Must be at least a college junior, graduate student, or a recent graduate;
- Must have at least a 3.5 GPA (on a 4.0 scale) from an accredited U.S. institution or equivalent from a non-U.S. institution;
- Interest or experience in missile defense, nuclear policy, or emerging technologies;
- Excellent record in an academic or research environment;
- Strong writing, organizational, communication, and time management skills;
- Ability to work independently;
- Experience in graphic design or illustrating software such as Canva is a plus;
- Eligible to work in the United States.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK CONDITIONS
The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.
Equal Opportunity Employer.
Company at a glance
The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a bipartisan, nonprofit policy research organization dedicated to advancing practical ideas to address the world’s greatest challenges.
Founded in 1962, CSIS is led by General Joseph F. Dunford, who was appointed chief executive officer in 2026. CSIS brings together more than 275 full-time staff and a global network of affiliated scholars working across four core areas of public policy: defense and security, geopolitics and foreign policy, economic security and technology, and global development. Our scholars are regularly called upon by Congress, the executive branch, the media, and others to explain the day’s events and offer recommendations to improve U.S. strategy.
CSIS’s purpose is to define the future of national security. We are guided by a distinct set of values—non-partisanship, independent thought, innovative thinking, cross-disciplinary scholarship, integrity and professionalism, and talent development. CSIS’s values work in concert toward the goal of making real-world impact.
X: cs.is/U4RJEq
LinkedIn: cs.is/33W0gX8
Instagram: cs.is/2ZbBTkF
Threads: cs.is/3vamuH2
Bluesky: https://bit.ly/4admmIb
YouTube: cs.is/2TKVQ0k
Podcasts: cs.is/2NuWcaD
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