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Defense Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Defense Internship information

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How much do defense internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for defense internship in the United States is $17.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects or responsibilities can I expect during a Defense Internship?

As a Defense Intern, you may be assigned to a wide range of projects depending on your department, such as research analysis, supporting policy development, assisting with logistics planning, or contributing to technology and engineering teams. Interns often work alongside experienced professionals, participating in team meetings and collaborating on ongoing defense initiatives. The dynamic nature of the field provides an opportunity to learn about national security challenges, gain hands-on experience with classified or sensitive information (where appropriate), and develop skills that are highly valued in defense careers.

What is a defense internship?

A defense internship is a temporary position, often for students or recent graduates, within a government agency, military branch, or defense-related organization. These internships provide hands-on experience in areas such as policy analysis, engineering, intelligence, logistics, or cybersecurity, supporting national defense objectives. Participants gain valuable exposure to real-world defense operations, build professional networks, and may increase their chances of securing full-time roles in the defense sector after graduation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Defense Intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Intern, you typically need a background in political science, international relations, or a related field, along with strong analytical and research skills. Familiarity with government databases, security clearance processes, and proficiency in Microsoft Office or data analysis tools is often required. Outstanding written communication, attention to detail, and a collaborative mindset set exceptional candidates apart. These skills and qualifications ensure interns can effectively support defense projects, handle sensitive information, and contribute to team objectives in a secure environment.
More about Defense Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Defense Internship jobs? Cities with the most Defense Internship job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Defense jobs? The most popular types of Defense jobs are:
What states have the most Defense Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Defense Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Defense Internship job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,995 per year, or $17.3 per hour.
Turkey Research Fall 2026 Internship

Turkey Research Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time, Part-time, Internship

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Internship Opportunities
The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) is a Washington, DC-based nonpartisan 501(c)(3) research institute focusing on national security and foreign policy. FDD conducts in-depth research, produces accurate and timely analyses, identifies illicit activities, and provides policy options – all with the aim of strengthening U.S. national security and reducing or eliminating threats posed by adversaries and enemies of the United States and other free nations. FDD does not accept donations from any foreign governments.

About FDD's Internship Program


The Foundation for Defense of Democracies offers a variety of internship opportunities designed to provide meaningful professional development. Interns participate in a twice-monthly speaker series featuring senior staff members in a small-group setting and are encouraged to strengthen their academic and analytical skills through close collaboration with FDD scholars and experts. The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met. FDD provides both hybrid and remote internship options.


Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. It is recommended that interested candidates submit applications early. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The Turkey Program

The Turkey Program is seeking a full-time or part-time intern. The intern will work closely with our Turkey team, including Non-Resident Senior Fellow, Sinan Ciddi, to assist with research on Ankara's domestic, security, and foreign policies, as well as its regional influence. Interns must have previous research experience and be able to conduct research in Turkish. Additional Eastern Mediterranean and Middle Eastern languages, such as Arabic, Armenian, Greek, Hebrew, Kurdish, or Persian are a plus, but not required. If there is a particular Turkey-related issue of interest to you, please indicate that in your cover letter.


Eligibility

  • Must have at least a 3.2 GPA (on a 4.0 scale).
  • Should have a relevant course of study and have completed coursework in any of the following fields: International Relations, Security Studies, History, Communications, Journalism, International Economics, Political Science. Computer science, and/or a relevant STEM field of study.
  • Interns should have knowledge of Microsoft Office programs, including Word, as well as basic Excel skills.
  • Must be able to commit to a minimum of 22 hours per week.
  • Must be eligible to work in the United States.


Application Materials Required

  1. Resume/CV
  2. Cover letter (Please review our website and include which FDD projects and issue areas resonate with you and why. Also indicate where you found this internship and your availability for the semester.)
  3. Writing Sample (no more than 3 pages)
  4. Unofficial transcript copy

Please specify the department(s) for which you would like to be considered (feel free to indicate preferences) in your cover letter. While you may use the same cover letter for multiple positions, please submit a separate application for each position of interest.
Incomplete applications will not be considered.


Job Posted by ApplicantPro