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

Senior Scientist, Oceans Science

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$103K - $141K/yr

... materials * Mentor more junior scientists, fellows, and interns, as appropriate * Additional responsibilities assigned as required or needed Qualifications * A PhD in ocean science, biological ...

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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:
Military & Political Power Research Fall 2026 Internship

Military & Political Power Research Fall 2026 Internship

Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD)

Washington, DC โ€ข On-site, Remote

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


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 โ€“ 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 Center on Military and Political Power

The Center on Military and Political Power is looking for part-time or full-time interns. CMPP is a center at FDD that promotes understanding of the defense strategies, policies, and capabilities necessary to deter and defeat threats to the freedom, security, and prosperity of Americans and our allies by providing rigorous, timely, and relevant research and analysis. Interns will work closely with CMPP Senior Director Bradley Bowman on a variety of projects related to U.S. defense strategy and policy. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated record of excellence, including strong research and writing skills. Additional information on CMPP may be found here.


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.