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Material Science Internship Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

... supporting internships/experiential learning Required Application Materials: Cover letter ... Yes Department AGNR-Animal & Avian Sciences Worker Sub-Type Faculty Regular Salary Range $70,000 ...

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Material Science Internship information

What is a Material Science Internship?

A Material Science Internship is a temporary position, usually for students or recent graduates, that provides hands-on experience in the field of materials science. Interns work under the supervision of professionals to learn about the properties, development, and testing of materials such as metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites. These internships often involve laboratory work, research projects, and technical reporting. The goal is to gain practical skills and industry knowledge that will be valuable for a future career in material science or related fields.

What types of projects or tasks are typically assigned to material science interns?

Material science interns often work on hands-on projects such as conducting material characterization tests, analyzing data from experiments, and assisting with the development or improvement of new materials. You may collaborate closely with research scientists and engineers, participate in lab meetings, and help document findings. Interns are also commonly involved in literature reviews and may have opportunities to contribute to technical reports or presentations. This role provides valuable exposure to real-world research and development processes within a multidisciplinary team environment.

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

To thrive as a Material Science Intern, you need a solid grounding in materials engineering, chemistry, and physics, typically gained through coursework in a relevant undergraduate program. Familiarity with laboratory equipment, materials characterization tools (such as SEM, XRD), and data analysis software like MATLAB or Python is often expected. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help interns contribute to research and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for successfully supporting research projects, ensuring accurate results, and gaining valuable industry experience.

What is the difference between Material Science Internship vs Materials Engineer?

AspectMaterial Science InternshipMaterials Engineer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate in materials science, engineering, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in materials science, metallurgical engineering, or related discipline
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, or corporate R&D departments, often temporary or project-basedDesign, develop, and test materials in industrial or manufacturing settings, often full-time
Industry UsageInternship programs in aerospace, automotive, electronics, and research institutionsFull-time roles in similar industries, focusing on product development and quality control

While a Material Science Internship provides hands-on experience and exposure to the field, a Materials Engineer is a full-time professional responsible for designing and improving materials in industrial settings. Internships are ideal for gaining initial industry insight, whereas engineers lead ongoing projects and innovations.

What are popular job titles related to Material Science Internship jobs in Reston, VA? For Material Science Internship jobs in Reston, VA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Material Science Internship jobs in Reston, VA look for? The top searched job categories for Material Science Internship jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Material Science Internship jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Material Science Internship job openings:
FDD Action's Advocacy Fall 2026 Internship

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

About FDD Action

FDD Action is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization that works with policymakers to advance a robust U.S. foreign policy that strengthens our national security, counters our adversaries, and supports our allies. FDD Action provides Congress with actionable insights and legislative solutions, including through the NDAA and appropriations processes, to counter China, Russia, Iran, and other adversaries and threats. Our extensive expertise ranges from sanctions and counterterrorism to arms sales, combating antisemitism, and addressing foreign influence in education.

About FDD Action's Advocacy Internship

We are seeking full-time and part-time advocacy interns to work at the intersection of research, strategy, and legislative action. You'll be embedded in real congressional projects: analyzing pressing national security challenges and tracking live policy debates as they unfold on Capitol Hill. Issue areas include Iran and Israel, Russia and Ukraine, China, sanctions and export controls, defense policy, and countering foreign malign influence and activities. Through this internship, interns will contribute to FDD Action's efforts to shape policies being developed in Congress.

As an advocacy intern, you will develop practical communications and messaging skills essential for any national security, advocacy, or policy career. Expect to sharpen your writing, editing, and strategic communication abilities while building a professional network that extends well beyond your time here. You'll gain valuable insights into how to communicate complex policy objectives effectively to key policymakers and stakeholders.

We provide interns with dedicated mentorship and career guidance through educational sessions with issue-area experts and FDD Action staff.

We are looking for detail-oriented self-starters with strong research skills and a genuine interest in how policy and communications intersect. Prior Hill experience is a plus, but is not required.

Intern Responsibilities

  • Contribute to FDD Action's NatSec Roundup, our flagship weekly publication for congressional staffers. In doing so, interns will learn about how legislation moves through Congress and where congressional work meets national security.
  • Support FDD Action's advocacy team as it works to produce Action Alerts and Policy Alerts in support of endorsed legislation, letters, and policies.
  • Help craft social media content that advances FDD Action's policy priorities.
  • Monitor and track important national security developments and breaking events.

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.
  • 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

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

If you also plan to apply for the policy internship, please indicate in your cover letter which internship you would consider your primary preference.

The organization offers stipends and can assist students seeking academic credit; however, stipend eligibility requirements must be met.

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