Intern - Defense Budget Analysis Program (Spring/Summer 2026)

Intern - Defense Budget Analysis Program (Spring/Summer 2026)

Internships

Washington, DC • Full-Time/Regular

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a non-profit, bipartisan public policy organization established in 1962 to provide strategic insights and practical policy solutions to decision makers concerned with global security and prosperity. Over the years, it has grown to be one of the largest organizations of its kind, with a staff of some 250 employees, including more than 120 analysts working to address the changing dynamics of international security across the globe. The CSIS Defense Budget Analysis Program is seeking an intern to support its research and administrative needs. The Defense Budget Analysis Program explores trends in the overall defense budget, military readiness, force structure, defense acquisitions, and military compensation in a broader effort to assess the alignment of the country's defense strategy and its resources. The hired candidate will be paid hourly, commensurate with experience ($18.00/hour for current undergraduate hires, $19.00/hour for hires with a bachelor's degree, and $20.00/hour for hires with a master's degree).

Essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

RESEARCH AND WRITING (70%)

• Conduct literature reviews, and compile and analyze data for ongoing research projects;
• Provide other research, writing, and editing support for various reports and documents;
• Support written products through background research, copy-editing, and editing citations as necessary;
• Collaborate with and support multiple staff members on different research projects on topics including U.S. and international defense spending, defense acquisition and the industrial base, military force structure, and security cooperation.

ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES (30%)

• Assist in preparation for meetings, private and public events, and conferences;
• Tracking relevant legislation and public announcements in the defense funding sector;
• Perform ad hoc requests and other duties as necessary in support of staff members.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience:

• Either currently enrolled in a master's or Ph.D. program; or has recently graduated with a B.A., B.S., M.A., Ph.D. or equivalent;
• Interest or experience analyzing U.S. and/or international defense budgets, defense acquisition and the industrial base, or national security;
• Excellent record in an academic or research environment;
• Strong writing, organizational, communication, and time management skills;
• Ability to work independently;
• Preference for applicants with statistical and quantitative analysis skills;
• Mandarin language skills are a plus, though not required.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Physical Requirements and Work Conditions:

The physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee working in an office environment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Equal Opportunity Employer.

How To Apply:

Interested applicants should submit a single combined PDF of their résumé, cover letter, and writing sample (2-5 pages). Applications which are not submitted as a single combined PDF will not be considered. To submit an application for this position, click the "Apply" button below, and you will be redirected to our secure recruitment portal.