Audio Engineering Internship - Fall 2026

Audio Engineering Internship - Fall 2026

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

A thriving, mission-driven multimedia organization, NPR produces award-winning news, information, and music programming in partnership with hundreds of independent public radio stations across the nation. The NPR audience values information, creativity, curiosity, and social responsibility – and our employees do too. We are innovators and leaders in diverse fields, from journalism and digital media to IT and development. Every day, our employees and member stations touch the lives of millions worldwide.

Across our organization, we're building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

Internship Program Duration: October 5th, 2026 - April 16th, 2027

Applications close on Sunday, June 14th at 11:59 pm ET.

Intro to Position

NPR seeks an Audio Engineer Intern to join our Engineering Division. This position will work directly with audio engineers, electronics engineers, and producers at NPR to support and observe the production and delivery of high-quality audio and video in a timely and precise manner.

Primary skills to be used include audio restoration and repair, recording and mixing audio for video, troubleshooting technical problems, supporting live events, and collaborating with engineers and producers in a variety of settings. Our engineers work in broadcast studios, a master control facility, and throughout the networked newsroom to provide technical support and guidance in a fast-paced, deadline driven, 24x7x365 production environment.

Our ideal candidate is a proactive, courteous, customer service focused, audio enthusiast who is passionate and curious about technology and believes in the mission of NPR.

Responsibilities

• Learning how NPR's quality standards are maintained, through proper recording and audio repair techniques (equalizers, compressors, noise reduction, etc.)
• Help NPR Audio Engineering with inventory and storage management projects
• Observe and practice mixing and fixing audio and video podcasts using DAVID Systems MTE and AVID Pro Tools
• Leverage audio production best practices and workflows to complete practice mixes and build experience
• Support live events at NPR HQ alongside Audio Engineers
• Participate in audio equipment installation and/or repair tasks
• Communicate clearly with both editorial and technical colleagues
• Cultivate, promote and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in one's work and in the workplace
• Demonstrate awareness of intersectional identities and ability to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds

The above duties and responsibilities are not an exhaustive list of required responsibilities, duties and skills. Other duties may be assigned, and this job description can be modified at any time.

Qualifications

• Formal education in audio production (radio and/or TV broadcast, post production, live sound reinforcement, music recording, theater, ENG)
• Experience with AVID Pro Tools
• Solid grasp of fundamentals of audio engineering and signal flow
• Professional and courteous demeanor supporting a varied and demanding client base
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Application Requirements

• Resume
• Cover Letter

Education Requirements

• Must be a current student in an accredited degree program or a recent graduate of no more than 12 months from the month of the start of the internship.

Work Location & Requirements

• On-site : This is an on-site role based in Washington, D.C.

Job Type

• This is a part-time, non-exempt internship.

Schedule

• 16hrs/week, flexible on which days a week

Compensation

Hourly Rate The U.S.-based anticipated hourly rate for this opportunity is $20.00 per hour. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum hourly rate NPR expects to provide for new hires for the position across all US locations.

NPR Benefits : NPR offers interns a robust package of benefits and resources designed to foster their professional development and support their overall well-being. Interns are eligible to make elective contributions to the NPR 403(b) retirement plan. As an intern, you have access to Transit Commuter benefits through HealthEquity, which allow you to set aside pre tax funds for eligible commuting expenses. You are also eligible for membership with the Signal Financial Federal Credit Union, giving you access to a range of financial services and resources. At our DC Headquarters, interns enjoy free access to on-site Wellness Center, free fitness center membership, secure bike facilities, garage parking, and onsite cafeteria. Other benefits include the Employee Assistance Program with up to six face-to-face counseling sessions per issue, Global Guardian worldwide assistance, and Business Travel Accident coverage. Additionally, interns working 30 or more hours per week receive holiday pay for 10 observed holidays plus one floating holiday per year and accrue 3.08 hours of sick leave each pay period with no waiting period. NPR also supports career growth and work-life balance through professional development opportunities, flexible work hours, and telecommuting options.

Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.