NSA 2026 Future Computing Summer Internship (FCSI)
Organization
U.S. Department of Defense (DOD)
Reference Code
NSA-2025-0002
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted on Zintellect.com
Application Deadline
11/9/2025 12:00:00 AM Eastern Time Zone
Description
The Laboratory for Physical Sciences (LPS), Advanced Computing Systems (ACS) team in the NSA’s Research Directorate is joining its counterparts in the Capabilities and Operations Directorates to provide a select number of undergraduate students with an exciting 10-week summer internship at LPS, located in the Research Park building complex adjacent to the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). The Future Computing Summer Internship (FCSI) program was established in 2022 to expose participants to High-Performance Computing (HPC), a field critical to national security, discovery, and technological innovation. FCSI is intended for students who will have completed their junior year by Spring 2026 (expecting to graduate in Spring 2027 or later) and are pursuing degrees in mathematics, computer science, computer engineering, or electrical engineering. These students possess strong mathematical and computer programming foundations and technical skills relevant to HPC.
Program Website: Future Computing Summer Internship
(Details for the 2026 program will be published on the program website in the near future.)
What will I be doing?
As a selected participant, you will collaborate with a team led by NSA research experts in High-Performance Computing (HPC) to solve future computing problems relevant to the NSA mission. Under the mentorship of technical experts, you will gain skills in a variety of areas relevant to HPC.
Why should I apply?
The projects involve hands-on technical research activities spanning disciplines and include, but are not limited to:
-Computational physics
-Benchmarking
-HPC file transfer and parallel programming, among others.
At the end of the internship, you will have the opportunity to present the results of your experience to an audience that includes multiple experts in each of the project areas, NSA seniors, and members of internal NSA engineering/computer science/math communities.
Where will I be located?
Catonsville, Maryland
What is the anticipated start date?
The National Security Agency (NSA) is making selections for a start date of Monday, June 1, 2026, and an end date of Friday, August 7, 2026.
What is the appointment length?
This appointment is a ten-week, full-time summer research appointment.
What are the provisions?
- $1,000.00 per week stipend.
- Other financial support provisions will be determined based on individual participant situational needs.
About ORISE
This program, administered by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through its contract with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), was established through an interagency agreement between DOE and DoD. Participants do not enter into an employee/employer relationship with ORISE, ORAU, DoD, or any other office or agency. Instead, you will be affiliated with ORISE for the administration of the appointment through the ORISE appointment letter and Terms of Appointment. Proof of health insurance is required for participation in this program. Health insurance can be obtained through ORISE. For more information, visit the ORISE Research Participation Program at the U.S. Department of Defense.
Qualifications
The qualified candidate will be enrolled full-time as an undergraduate student at an accredited U.S. institution at the time of applying. This internship opportunity is intended for undergraduates graduating in 2026 or 2027 who have completed significant upper-level coursework/experience in math, computer science, computer engineering, or related STEM fields.
Disciplines:
- Computer Science
- Computer Engineering
- Mathematics
- Electrical Engineering
- Data Science
- Physics
Final acceptance is dependent upon approval to access NSA/CSS facilities.
Application Requirements
A complete application consists of:
- Zintellect Profile
- Educational and Employment History
- Essay Questions (goals, experiences, and skills relevant to the opportunity)
- Resume (PDF)
- Transcripts/Academic Records - Please upload a copy of a transcript for your current or most recent degree program that meets the disciplinary qualifications of the opportunity. Click here for detailed information about acceptable transcripts.
- One Recommendation from a mentor highlighting your qualifications and how you will be successful during an internship focused on HPC. We encourage you to contact your recommender(s) as soon as you start your application to ensure they are able to complete the recommendation form and to let them know to expect a message from Zintellect. Recommenders will be asked to rate your scientific capabilities, personal characteristics, and describe how they know you. You can always log back in to your Zintellect account and check the status of your application.
If you have questions, send an email to STEM-WORKFORCE@orise.orau.gov. Please list the reference code of this opportunity [NSA-2025-0002] in the subject line of the email. Please understand that ORISE does not review applications or select applicants; selections are made by the sponsoring agency identified on this opportunity. All application materials should be submitted via the “Apply” button at the bottom of this opportunity listing. Please do not send application materials to the email address above.
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Stipend
$0.00 – $1,000.00 Weekly
Point of Contact
Eligibility Requirements