Launch Your Career at the National Reconnaissance Office

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) invites highly motivated students to participate in the Dr. Chris Scolese Summer Internship Program. This program is a unique, paid opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the intelligence community while gaining hands-on technical experience. Whether your focus is engineering, research, or mission support, the NRO provides the environment needed to turn your academic studies into real-world impact.

Job Responsibilities

As a General Student Trainee, you will contribute directly to NRO missions. Duties include:

Assisting in the design and research of engineering projects.
Supporting risk management to balance cost and technical performance.
Analyzing technical trends and data to inform program planning.
Participating in test and evaluation campaigns.
Proposing new methods for technical problem solving.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must maintain a 3.0 GPA and full-time student status. Requirements vary by academic level:

Level	Educational Requirement
GG-06	24+ credit hours completed
GG-07	Bachelor's degree complete, enrolled in Grad School for Fall 2027
GG-09	Master's degree complete, enrolled in Grad School for Fall 2027

Salary and Benefits

Interns receive a competitive salary between $58,884 and $80,041 annually. This position offers a chance to build a professional network within the intelligence community and gain training that serves as a foundation for a long-term federal career.

Application Tips

Keep it short: Your resume must be strictly under two pages.
Documentation: Ensure your unofficial transcripts clearly show your GPA and current enrollment.
Clarity: Describe your duties, employment dates, and hours worked per week for every position listed.

This internship is more than just a summer job; it is an entry point into one of the most critical missions in the United States government. If you are passionate about technology and national security, apply today.

Why This General Student Trainee (Technical) Job Matters

Launch your career with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) as a Student Trainee. Help protect the nation through cutting-edge intelligence and space-based technology.

General Student Trainee (Technical) Job Overview

The NRO's Dr. Chris Scolese Summer Internship Program is a premier opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in the technical field. As a General Student Trainee, you will work on critical projects ranging from satellite systems to operations, gaining invaluable exposure to national security missions while working alongside industry experts. This 10-week summer program provides training and guidance to help you apply academic knowledge to real-world technical challenges.

Requirements for General Student Trainee (Technical)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Undergraduates must have completed at least 24 credit hours.
Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Must maintain full-time student status as defined by your academic institution.
For GG-07: Completion of a bachelor's degree and enrollment as a full-time graduate student for Fall 2027.
For GG-09: Completion of a graduate degree and enrollment as a full-time graduate student for Fall 2027.
Submit unofficial college transcripts as proof of enrollment and GPA requirements.

Preferred Qualifications for General Student Trainee (Technical)

Exceptional oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational and project management capabilities.
Proven deductive reasoning and information synthesis abilities.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a team structure.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary range based on location.
✓Hands-on mentorship from experienced NRO professionals.
✓Experience in highly specialized technical domains.
✓Potential for repeat summer opportunities based on performance.
✓Exposure to advanced space-based intelligence architecture.

💡 How to Apply General Student Trainee (Technical) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for General Student Trainee (Technical) Job

Create a USAJOBS profile if you do not already have one.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages.
Complete the required online assessment questionnaire.
Upload your most recent unofficial transcripts and any relevant eligibility documents (like SF50 or Veteran documentation).
Ensure all documents are in accepted formats (PDF, DOCX, TXT) and within size limits.
Submit your application before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must not exceed 2 pages; exceeding this limit will result in disqualification.
Clearly list hours worked per week and dates of employment for all past positions.
Do not include personal photos or sensitive information like SSNs in your resume.
Double-check your unofficial transcripts to ensure they include your name, school, degree, and GPA.
If you are a student, ensure your transcript clearly shows current full-time enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a temporary, 10-week summer appointment for the period between June and August 2027.

What locations are available?

The program has openings in Aurora, CO; White Sands Missile Range, NM; Chantilly, VA; and Fort Belvoir, VA.

What should I do if my resume exceeds two pages?

You must edit your resume down to two pages or less. Any resume exceeding this limit will be automatically removed from consideration.

Can I apply if I am an undergraduate?

Yes, provided you have at least 24 credit hours completed.

Is there a drug test?

Yes, this position is subject to an initial drug screening and potential random testing.

Job from National Reconnaissance Office

For over sixty years, the NRO has been the backbone of America’s strength in space. By developing and operating satellites, the agency provides critical surveillance and reconnaissance imagery used by policymakers, warfighters, and scientists. Beyond national security, NRO imagery aids in humanitarian efforts, climate research, and disaster response.