Cryptologic Access Summer Intern Program for Undergraduates at the National Security Agency (NSA)

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Cryptologic Access Summer Intern Program (CAP)

Have you ever wondered what the term “intercepts” means in newspaper articles about tracking terrorists around the world? How your wireless laptop connects to the Internet? How cell phones work? Why your AM radio brought in a station halfway around the world, even though it was tuned to a local station? How the U.S. knew the location of the Japanese fleet at the Battle of Midway? If so, you have begun to touch the world of Signals Intelligence (SIGINT).

The CAP brings college students into the SIGINT world for internships during the summers after their freshman, sophomore, and junior years. This program permits such students to actively participate in or support on-going SIGINT Collection operations that satisfy national intelligence needs. As a CAP Intern, you will work directly under the guidance of veteran SIGINT Collection professionals managing specific collection operations; have the opportunity to travel to a SIGINT field site (funds permitting); and work with a senior mentor to develop career aspirations in the Cryptologic Access arena.

CAP Interns will be hired on a Temporary Appointment for a term no more than 12 weeks following the beginning of the internship. A subsequent application is required to participate in the program in later summers during the intern’s undergraduate career.

Application Deadline
Applications are accepted September 1st - November 15th each year.

Salary
Interns are paid a competitive salary commensurate with their education level.

Qualifications

Must be a U.S. citizen
Must be eligible to be granted a security clearance
A cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale is preferred
Must be a college freshman, sophomore or junior
Must be eligible to be granted a security clearance
Must have reliable transportation for getting to and from work
Prior military experience beneficial, but not required
Students majoring in technical fields such as Physics, Computer Science, Math, Electrical and Computer Engineering, or Telecommunications are preferred; however, more liberal arts applicants academic background who are pursuing degrees in International and/or Security Studies and who have the ability to think critically and communicate well orally and in writing will be considered.
There are many aspects of collection to which one’s skills or career aspirations might be applied. The collection requirements process and updates to our collection posture against an adversary or target country/region might suit a student majoring in International Studies, while the development of solutions to new technologies would more suit those majoring in the more technical fields.

Benefits

Receive vacation time, sick leave and federal holidays
Students who attend schools in excess of 75 miles from Fort Meade, MD, are eligible for a round trip airfare ticket to and from school, or mileage reimbursement up to the cost of a government-issued airline ticket.
Housing accommodations can be arranged upon request

How to Apply
Applications must be submitted on or before November 15th. Applications received after the deadline, as well as incomplete packets, will not be considered.

To submit a resume online during open season, click any “Apply Online” link. Under “Basic Job Search,” type in keywords “Cryptologic Access Summer Intern Program” and click on “Search.” Select “Cryptologic Access Summer Intern Program” and click “Apply Now.” Follow the directions as prompted. To be considered for the Cryptologic Access Summer Intern Program, you must submit a complete application packet that includes:

A resume
Official or Unofficial Transcript

IMPORTANT: When applying online, you may only submit your resume. Please mail official transcripts to the following address and indicate the program you are applying for. Unofficial transcripts can be sent to CAP@nsa.gov.

National Security Agency
Office of Recruitment and Hiring
P.O. Box 1661
Attn: MB3 Summer, Suite 6779
Fort George G. Meade, MD 20755-6779
For additional information, please e-mail ljmcwee@nsa.gov or call 410-854-4726.