2026 Summer Associate Program

Overview

The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is now accepting applications for our 2026 Summer Associate Program. This Program provides students with a unique opportunity to use their quantitative and analytic skills to work on challenging real-world national security issues. The Institute for Defense Analyses (IDA) is a not-for-profit corporation that operates Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs).

Staff at the IDA Systems and Analyses Center (SAC) provide objective analyses of national security issues, particularly those requiring scientific and technical expertise, and conduct related research on other national challenges. The Systems and Analyses Center, located in Alexandria, Virginia, is comprised of seven research divisions:

• Cost Analysis and Research Division
• Information Technology and Systems Division
• Global Dynamics and Intelligence Division
• Joint Advanced Warfighting Division
• Operational Evaluation Division
• Strategy, Forces and Resources Division
• Science, Systems and Sustainment Division
  
  

Each year, IDA hires paid student associates at its Virginia location to work for a minimum of 10 weeks during the summer months. Associates will work with their supervisor to identify their start and end dates. If their academic calendar permits, associates must be present during the 8-week core period, which runs from the beginning of June to the end of July. However, we offer flexibility for associates to start sooner or later depending on their availability. An additional 2 weeks (or more) either before or after the core period is required for a complete 10-week internship. In some cases opportunities exist for associates to work a few weeks longer than the 10-week minimum.

We support transparency, equity, and fairness in our compensation program and provide a reasonable estimate of the salary range based on data-driven market analysis for each position. While it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range, a reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $20.00-$40.00 per hour. Individual salary within this range will be commensurate with the incumbent’s experience, unique skills and qualifications, and other relevant factors. Associates are responsible for living expenses during the summer.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities vary depending on division and particular assignment.

Qualifications

We seek highly qualified students with strong academic backgrounds. Our preference for the program is graduate students, but we will consider undergraduates who are rising seniors. In either case, students must be returning to an academic institution in the fall to continue their educational pursuits.

SAC seeks a variety of disciplines, including computer science, information technology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, operations research, aero/astronautical engineering, mechanical or electrical engineering, materials science, statistics, economics, as well as social and behavioral sciences, human resources, security, international relations, policy studies, and finance. We are also recruiting students focusing in data science, artificial intelligence, machine learning, library and information science, English, history and related

All applicants are required to submit a resume and transcripts (if enrolled in a graduate program please include both undergrad and graduate transcripts).

Applicants who are selected will be subject to a security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Successful completion of a criminal background check is required.

U.S. Citizenship is required

Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance is required

IDA is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a fair recruiting process and working environment free from discrimination. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

IDA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [email protected] and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

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