Technical Research Intern Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 Information
At 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.