Public Affairs & Policy Intern

4 нед. назад

СШАTraineeOnsite

research

Internship role researching policy and regulations governing space solar energy operations for a clean energy startup.

Overview Energy is a mission-driven team committed to building a new layer of energy infrastructure: satellites in geosynchronous orbit that redirect solar energy to terrestrial solar projects via passively safe near-infrared light. We're in the earliest phase, where the operating concept and every warfighter conversation helps to define how this technology is used. Headquartered in the Northern Virginia / Washington, DC area and backed by world-class investors, we are advancing the next generation of clean energy technology.

We're looking for a Public Affairs & Policy Intern to answer a question nobody has answered yet: what rules govern space solar energy operations, and how does a warfighter actually operate the system?
In support of a Department of War (DoW) energy investment program, you'll research the policy landscape for space and beacon operations and turn it into concrete CONOPS language. You'll research DoW sites for present and future testing. And you'll build the material that makes this technology legible to the people who would use it to feed our broader space solar energy operational guide.
Research U.S. policy and regulation governing space operations and ground-based beacon operations, and translate it into CONOPS language the engineering team can design against
Identify and profile DoW sites for present and future testing, including access, airspace, and environmental considerations
Support warfighter engagement: prepare briefing material, capture feedback in the room, and route it back into CONOPS and design
Draft an operator manual written for the warfighter, not the engineer
Create warfighter and DoW engagement materials that make an unfamiliar technology easy to understand quickly
Track DoW expectations against what we're producing, and flag gaps early

Currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master's program in public policy, government, international affairs, communications, or a closely related field
Demonstrated interest in defense, space, or energy policy - coursework, clubs, writing, or prior internships all count
Clear, fast writing for non-expert audiences: you can turn a dense directive into a paragraph an operator will actually read
Comfortable with primary source research - statute, DoW directives, and federal regulatory frameworks
Able to commit 3-5 hours per week from September 2026 through March 2027 with potential extended work time based on the needs of the program; schedule is flexible
This position is subject to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

ROTC participation, prior military service, or coursework in military operations and doctrine
Internship or fellowship experience on Capitol Hill, in the Executive Branch, or with DoW
Experience producing briefing-grade materials: one-pagers, decks, manuals, or visual explainers
Familiarity with laser safety, space systems, and/or airspace coordination
Interest in a longer-term career in the Executive Branch or the military
This is a paid, part-time internship running September 2026 through March 2027 at 3-5 hours per week, with a flexible schedule and hybrid work out of our Northern Virginia headquarters. Hourly rate: $30-$40.
You'll be mentored directly by the team leading our government engagement, and your work is a funded DoW deliverable, not a side project.