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Internship Wargaming Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Internship Wargaming information

What is an internship in wargaming?

An internship in wargaming provides students or recent graduates with hands-on experience in the design, analysis, and execution of wargames, which are simulations used for military, security, or strategic planning. Interns typically assist with scenario development, data analysis, research, and sometimes participate in game facilitation. Wargaming internships can take place in defense organizations, think tanks, or gaming companies, offering valuable insights into strategic decision-making and operational planning. These internships help build analytical, communication, and teamwork skills relevant to careers in defense analysis, policy, or game design.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship wargaming analyst?

To thrive as an Internship Wargaming Analyst, you need strong analytical, research, and critical thinking skills, often supported by coursework in political science, international relations, or military studies. Familiarity with wargaming software, simulation tools, and data analysis platforms is typically required, along with potential security clearance. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help you effectively present findings and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for creating realistic simulations, deriving actionable insights, and supporting strategic decision-making in defense and policy environments.

What types of projects or simulations can I expect to work on during an internship in wargaming?

As an intern in Wargaming, you will typically participate in research, design, and execution of simulated scenarios that help organizations test strategies and decision-making processes. Tasks may include supporting the development of game rules, analyzing data generated during simulations, and assisting with after-action reviews. Interns often collaborate closely with experienced analysts, military professionals, or policy experts, providing valuable exposure to both the technical and collaborative aspects of wargaming. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop analytical and communication skills while gaining insights into strategic planning and national security issues.

What is the difference between Internship Wargaming vs Wargaming Analyst?

AspectInternship WargamingWargaming Analyst
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate, some knowledge of wargamingBachelor's or master's in military studies, defense, or related fields; experience preferred
Work EnvironmentInternship setting, often in defense or gaming companies, learning-focusedFull-time role in defense, government, or gaming industries, analytical and strategic
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by defense contractors, military organizations, gaming companies for training and analysisEmployed in defense analysis, military planning, or strategic gaming teams

Internship Wargaming is an entry-level, learning-focused position for students or recent graduates, often part-time or temporary. Wargaming Analysts are experienced professionals conducting strategic analysis and simulations. The internship provides foundational exposure, while the analyst role involves in-depth analysis and decision-making in defense or gaming sectors.

What are the most commonly searched types of Wargaming jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Wargaming jobs in Virginia are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Wargaming jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Wargaming jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Internship Wargaming jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Internship Wargaming job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Wargaming job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Military Operations Intern

Systems Planning and Analysis

Alexandria, VA • On-site

$15.50 - $20.25/hr

Part-time, Internship

Medical, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.  

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of War (DoW), Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the DoW. These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering (OUSW(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSW(A&S)), DARPA, Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM.  SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

We have an immediate need for a Military Operations Intern to provide onsite support in Alexandria, VA during the fall of 2026.

Responsibilities

We are seeking highly motivated, energetic problem solvers currently attending undergraduate or graduate institutions for a fall 2026 internship to assist senior analysts, programmers, and researchers working to address some of the most critical issues facing the DoW today. The intern will have a variety of opportunities to support OUSW (R&E), including analyzing critical military challenges and identifying potential technology solutions, analyzing DoW's technology and engineering investments, analyzing military capabilities and technology investments of foreign partner nations, analyzing global military and technology policy, and providing support to wargame execution. This individual will work part-time, roughly 24+ hours per week, in-person during the fall semester. Work with our multidisciplinary team to analyze complex problem spaces, spanning emerging technology, military operations, and industrial base policy-potentially through wargaming, modeling and simulation, policy analysis, and other related methodologies. Apply analytic techniques and tools (quantitative and qualitative) to drive impacts across DoW. Contribute to senior-level briefings and deliveries through product development and event support.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Pursuing a Bachelor's degree or Master's degree program in military operations, national security, international relations, STEM, or a related field
  • 2+ years of academic or professional experience analyzing military operations or national security
  • Impact-oriented and excited to leverage areas of personal expertise to analyze complex, novel problems-technical and non-technical-by developing research questions, implementing appropriate analytical methods, and presenting results
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, demonstrated multitasking skills, and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team
  • U.S. Citizen with and active Secret clearance

Desired:

  • Understanding and interest in emerging technologies and integration into warfighting capabilities
  • Experience with wargaming, modeling and simulation, military operations, scenario development, concepts of operations, or concepts of employment
  • Active TS/SCI clearance
Pay Range InformationAt SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $27.00/Hr. - USD $33.00/Hr.Employment Type: OTHER