For more than 100 years, the American aerospace and defense industry has shaped the world around us in countless ways with immeasurable impact. Today, we are critical to the health of the U.S. economy and a seamless, fundamental part of daily life. So today more than ever, it’s vital that the industry has a strong voice speaking on its behalf.

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) has been that voice since 1919. Our work as an advocate and convener is essential to shaping policy, shedding light on the industry’s impact, and empowering its future.

About the AIA Summer Intern Program:

AIA’s 2026 Summer Intern Program requires a commitment of 10 weeks. Interns should expect to work up to 37.50 hours per week and will receive an hourly stipend of $25.00 per hour. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter to: jobs@aia-aerospace.org with “ATTN: AIA Summer Intern Program” in the subject line. For additional information about AIA, please visit: http://www.aia-aerospace.org.

• Application deadline: February 16th
• Decisions are generally made in April

Eligibility:

• Must be enrolled in a credited college or a recent graduate.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Desirable fields of education: Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, Business Management, Aerospace, Engineering, Design.

AIA Summer Intern Program opportunities are in the following functional areas (Departments):

• Communications
• Civil Aviation Policy
• Legislative Affairs
• Membership/Business Development
• National Security Policy
• Engineering & Technology
• Space Systems

Below, you’ll find detailed descriptions of each internship, including key responsibilities and required qualifications. As a non-profit association, our internships provide exceptional access to our member organizations that are leaders in the aerospace and defense industries.  

Communications Intern

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is seeking a creative and motivated Digital Video and Social Media Intern to join our Communications team for the summer. AIA represents an industry that moves, connects, and inspires people and drives the American economy. 

We’re looking for a visual storyteller with a strong interest in social media content creation who can help elevate our digital presence through compelling short-form video and digital content for platforms such as LinkedIn and YouTube Shorts. 

The ideal candidate is a communications, journalism, film, digital media, or related subject major with hands-on video editing experience using tools such as Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, or CapCut. Responsibilities include producing and editing short-form videos for social media, developing video, graphic, and written content for AIA’s digital channels, creating written content to advance AIA’s advocacy efforts, supporting event and meeting coverage, assisting with social media planning and content calendars, conducting research, brainstorming content ideas for America’s 250th anniversary, collaborating with our Membership team on member-focused content, and contributing to special projects as needed.

Qualifications:

Strong writing and interpersonal skills are essential. Familiarity with Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and basic graphic design tools like Photoshop, a plus.

Civil Aviation Policy Intern

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is seeking a Civil Aviation Policy Intern to assist our team on several exciting policy projects during the Summer 2026 timeframe. AIA is the leading trade association representing the U.S. aerospace and defense industry on Capitol Hill, in the administration, and globally. Representing nearly 300 major aerospace and defense companies and suppliers, AIA’s membership encompasses every segment of this critical industry and is an effective advocate for advancements in commercial aviation and avionics, manned and unmanned civil and defense systems, space technologies, and satellite communications.

The Civil Aviation Division works across a range of portfolios, including but not limited to:

• Commercial aviation safety and systems design
• Manufacturing, maintenance, and repair
• Environmental issues including sustainability, sustainable aviation fuels, noise, emissions and chemical policy
• Airspace integration and advanced air mobility
• Spectrum

The intern will be tasked with supporting the Civil Aviation staff as necessary and will gain valuable knowledge about policy development in this field.

The Civil Aviation Policy Intern will cover a range of responsibilities, including monitoring and analyzing relevant and potentially impactful regulatory developments and driving communications with our members engaged in AIA’s Committees, Subcommittees and Working Groups (CCWGs). The intern will also assist in the execution of internal initiatives through collaboration with our Legislative Affairs, Communications, and Membership teams. Other duties may include ensuring accuracy of information on AIA’s database and coordinating logistics for stakeholder meetings.

Qualifications:

• Must be a currently enrolled student in an accredited college or university in good standing, or a recent graduate.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Preferred fields of study include Public Policy, Political Science, Aerospace Engineering, and Business Administration. Other relevant areas of study will be considered.
• Successful applicants will be highly motivated, have excellent organizational and communication abilities, and have a demonstrated interest in working in the aerospace industry. Applicants should also have a basic understanding of the legislative and regulatory processes, particularly as they pertain to commercial aviation and relevant agencies (FAA, DOT, EPA, etc.).

Legislative Affairs Intern

Interested in politics, policy, aviation, space, and national security? The Aerospace Industries Association’s Legislative Affairs team has an exciting opportunity to develop and execute AIA’s legislative strategy for 2026 and beyond. Duties of the Legislative and Public Policy interns include the monitoring and analysis of pending legislation and public policy initiatives, working with congressional staff on engagements, and helping synthesize the various legislative initiatives of our member companies.

The Legislative Affairs intern will attend legislative proceedings of the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House of Representatives, and other governmental organizations. Specific responsibilities include the preparation of testimony before congressional committees, in addition to conducting research of legislative and public policy issues for the National Security, Civil Aviation and Space divisions. Interns should expect to gain valuable knowledge about the legislative process and be provided excellent networking opportunities.

Qualifications:

Applicants should be strongly motivated, possess a basic knowledge or interest in the legislative process and the aerospace and defense industries, and have solid research and writing experience.

Membership/Business Development Intern

Interested in gaining real-world experience related to lead generation and pipeline management? The Aerospace Industries Association has an open position for an intern to work closely with the Membership team on reactivating membership conversations with previous members, researching targeted companies to determine eligibility for membership, and tracking lead progress through the acquisition pipeline.

This work requires outreach to prospective members, following up, and reporting results. Data entry will also be required. The AIA assumes professional responsibility for the data entry work being done.

Qualifications:

We are looking for a candidate who has a desire for real-world experience in a fast-paced environment. The candidate should be personable, have a strong attention to details, excellent communication skills, and be familiar with database entry. The candidate should have experience with the Microsoft suite of office products.

National Security Policy Intern

Interested in national security and defense acquisition policy? Looking for an opportunity to work near Capitol Hill? The Aerospace Industries Association’s National Security Policy division is offering an opportunity to gain experience and learn from leading government and industry experts about national security strategy and budgets, acquisition policy, cybersecurity, industrial base policy, and more. Your tasks at AIA will include preparing and reviewing documents, organizing logistics for U.S. Government-industry dialogues, assisting in the development of policy positions for consideration by AIA member companies, and assisting in the planning and execution of AIA events. This position reports to the Vice President, National Security Policy. Interns should expect to gain valuable knowledge about defense and acquisition policy and will be provided excellent networking opportunities.

Qualifications:

Applicants should be strongly motivated self-starters with demonstrated interest in defense and/or acquisition policy.

Engineering & Technology Intern

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) is seeking an intern to work with the Engineering & Technology division. This internship will be focused on the intersection of high technology and aerospace and will offer the candidate the opportunity to interact with senior technical decision makers in the aerospace industry. The internship will focus on the intersection of aerospace technology and policy. An ideal candidate will have experience in additive manufacturing, code development, or artificial intelligence.

Qualifications:

Applicants should be strongly motivated self-starters with demonstrated interest in engineering and technology.

Space Systems Intern

 The Space Division is seeking an intern to support a range of strategic projects that advance key organizational priorities:

• Conduct research and provide analytical support on civil, commercial, national security, and international space policy issues.
• Monitor congressional, regulatory, and budget developments, and prepare summaries, infographics, and updates for member and stakeholder engagement.
• Assist with special projects such as policy roundtables, industrial base studies, regulatory comment filings, and other priority space initiatives.
• Support AIA Space Council and working groups by preparing agendas, briefings, and meeting minutes.
• Represent AIA at external events and assist with talking points, background materials, and follow-up.
• Collaborate across AIA teams, legislative affairs, communications, civil aviation, and international affairs, to support coordinated advocacy and policy efforts.

• Must be at least an enrolled in a credited college, in good standing, or a recent graduate.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• Desirable fields of education: Public Policy, Political Science, Journalism, Business Management, Aerospace, Engineering, Design.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.