Policy Intern 2026 Strategic Division

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 Strategic Division (SD) supports high-reliability organizations including Navy Strategic Systems Programs (SSP), Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, and the Department of Energy (DOE), among others. Our support across our client base is expanding rapidly and encompasses important services, such as data analytics and visualization, threat analysis, risk management, modeling and simulation, cost estimating, earned value management, program management, system engineering, independent evaluation, and High Consequence Event prevention. The Strategic Systems Analysis Group (SSAG) supports government and private sector strategic planning, decision making, and program management. SSAG integrates deep client knowledge, advanced analytics, and subject matter expertise to provide timely and objective technical, operational, programmatic, acquisition, and policy analysis. SSAG is hiring for an Intern for Summer 2026 at Alexandria, Virginia.

Timeline for intern selection:

• Applications can be submitted and will be reviewed until 15 November 2025.
• Interviews will be ongoing and conclude by 12 December 2025.
• Offers/decisions will be extended by 19 December 2025.

The successful policy intern will be expected to provide relevant, objective, timely, and clear analytical support to SSAG customers to help them make better decisions. The policy intern will be able to work collaboratively to analyze and synthesize information, propose solutions, and prepare written papers for the customer. They will possess an inquisitive mind, a desire to broaden their skills, and be open to new, challenging problems that may stretch them to achieve success; Organize and attend meetings related to the branch's technical function; Perform technical research; Draft, reviews and/or edit documents; Complete a summer project; Attend weekly SPA informational round-tables and working lunches with SPA leadership.

Required Qualifications:

• US Citizenship required, and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance.
• Ability work work in Alexandria, Virginia.
• Working toward a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering, Data Science, Operations Research or other technical or programmatic field.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with ability to synthesize data and communicate clearly via written and verbal means.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel to communicate to decision makers.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proactive interest in learning new skills and engaging new challenges.
• Strong customer service skills, with interest in proactively anticipating and addressing client needs.