Launch Your Career: NRO Summer Internship for Contract Trainees

Are you a student looking to make a meaningful impact on national security while building a prestigious professional resume? The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is currently accepting applications for the Dr. Chris Scolese Summer Internship Program. This opportunity provides students with a unique, paid experience working at the forefront of space-based intelligence and surveillance.

Job Responsibilities

As a General Student Trainee (Contracts), you will be immersed in the business side of intelligence operations. You will support procurement professionals in the full contract lifecycle, including:

Assisting with solicitations, negotiations, and cost analysis.
Constructing and managing contract vehicles.
Preparing statements of work and source selection plans.
Monitoring contractor performance to ensure adherence to agency requirements.

Requirements

To be considered for this highly competitive program, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Completion of at least 24 undergraduate credit hours.
Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 throughout the internship.
Enrollment as a full-time student for the upcoming term.
Ability to clear a high-level background investigation.

Grade Eligibility Comparison

Position Level	Academic Standing	Education Status
GG-06	Undergraduate	24+ Credits Completed
GG-07	Graduate Student	Bachelor's Degree Conferred
GG-09	Graduate Student	Graduate Degree Completed

Salary Overview

Interns are compensated at a highly competitive rate, commensurate with their level of education. The current annual pay range is $58,884 to $80,041, distributed over the 10-week summer term.

Benefits

Professional networking with industry leaders.
Hands-on experience in a high-security, professional government environment.
Exposure to the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS).
Potential for future employment or repeat summer internships.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Keep your resume strictly to two pages. Extra pages will cause immediate disqualification.
Documentation is Key: Ensure your transcripts clearly verify your GPA and current enrollment status.
Clarity Matters: Use a professional, easy-to-read font and save your documents as PDFs.

The NRO Summer Internship is more than just a job; it is a gateway to a career in federal service and the intelligence community. If you meet the qualifications, we encourage you to submit your application and prepare to contribute to projects that protect millions of lives every day.

Why This General Student Trainee (Contracts) Job Matters

Launch your career in intelligence at the highest level—join the NRO Summer Internship Program and help safeguard national security from space.

General Student Trainee (Contracts) Job Overview

The National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is seeking ambitious students for the Dr. Chris Scolese Summer Internship Program. This 10-week summer opportunity offers hands-on experience in the Contracting Career Field, allowing you to contribute to critical space-based intelligence projects. Located in Chantilly, Virginia, this internship provides training and mentorship to prepare future leaders for success in the defense and intelligence sectors.

Requirements for General Student Trainee (Contracts)

Must be a student enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or graduate program.
Undergraduates must have completed at least 24 credit hours.
Must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher throughout the program.
Must maintain full-time student status as defined by your academic institution.
Must be geographically located near Chantilly, Virginia, for the duration of the 10-week program.
Must successfully pass an initial drug screening and adhere to random testing protocols.
Must be eligible for a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.

Preferred Qualifications for General Student Trainee (Contracts)

Strong oral and written communication capabilities.
Demonstrated ability to organize and plan complex tasks.
Proven experience in project coordination and implementation.
Analytical mindset with strong deductive reasoning skills.
Ability to synthesize information to solve intricate problems.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary ranging from $58,884 to $80,041.
✓Direct mentorship from NRO professionals.
✓Hands-on experience in national security contracting.
✓Potential for return opportunities in subsequent summers.
✓Professional development training within the intelligence community.

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

Application Steps for General Student Trainee (Contracts) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
Prepare your resume (maximum 2 pages) and ensure all required work history details are included.
Submit your unofficial transcripts showing current enrollment and GPA.
Complete the mandatory online screening questionnaire.
Upload all necessary supporting documentation (e.g., SF50, Veterans' documents) as PDF files.
Submit your application through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume strictly adheres to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be disqualified.
Use clear, professional fonts like Lato or Calibri for your resume.
Be sure to describe your work experience and hours per week in both your resume and the questionnaire.
Double-check that your transcripts clearly display your name, institution, and GPA.
Upload documents in PDF format to ensure the formatting and pagination are preserved.
Submit your application early to allow time for system processing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a career ladder position?

No, this is a temporary student internship and not a developmental career ladder position.

What is the duration of the internship?

The program is a 10-week, full-time commitment occurring between June and August.

Do I need a security clearance?

Yes, this position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance due to the nature of the work.

Do I need to be a US citizen?

Due to the high level of sensitive information handled at the NRO, applicants must meet specific national security requirements.

Is housing provided?

The NRO does not provide housing, and you must be geographically located near Chantilly, VA, to participate.

Job from National Reconnaissance Office

For over 60 years, the NRO has been the backbone of America’s strength in space. By developing, acquiring, and operating advanced satellite systems, the NRO provides critical intelligence to warfighters, policymakers, and decision-makers. Beyond national security, NRO imagery is used by scientists to monitor climate change, map endangered species habitats, and assist with disaster relief operations.