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Exciting Update (June 2024): NSAP expands to include mid-careers! Interested? Read on!

MITRE’s National Security Accelerator Program (NSAP) fast-tracks talented staff to facilitate their careers while improving the safety, stability, and well-being of our nation.

We are seeking highly motivated, experienced-early/early-mid-career candidates passionate about solving problems for a safer world—candidates like you! This program offers unique onboarding, mentoring, and work opportunities to build your skills as a future leader within the national security community. You will accelerate  your career while preparing for high-impact, rewarding work at MITRE.

Specifically, you will be part of an elite cadre of early career scientists, engineers, programmers, and technologists deeply immersed in MITRE’s work, culture, strategy, priorities, and innovation. We will prepare you to thrive in a technically rooted, mission-focused career at MITRE – one in which the particular background, skill-set, and experience you bring inspires creative and innovative solutions to the challenges facing our nation. To learn more click HERE 
 
You will interact with a cohort of program peers, MITRE national security leaders, and staff already solving real-world problems. Over the course of this structured six-month program, you will hone your skills and develop professional networks in the national security sector and across our Innovation Centers. Before transitioning to MITRE’s permanent national security or technical staff, you will benefit from the following opportunities:
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Onboarding

An intensive, experiential kickstart in which you will:

  • Learn practical information about working at MITRE
  • Surround yourself with a cohort of early/ mid-career visionaries
  • Further your technical, leadership, and mission domain learning through special classes and teambuilding
  • Network with senior leadership and learn first-hand about MITRE’s impact
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Mentoring

Focused mentoring with national security leaders and experts in your field, during which you will:

  • Collaborate with a mentor in a program that includes coaching for technical skills development, reverse mentoring (you will teach what you know best!), and coaching for interpersonal engagement within our culture
  • Work on a government-focused capstone project
  • Develop skills in servant leadership and customer engagement
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Work Program

An opportunity to support multiple different work programs, during which you will:

  • Contribute to sponsor-facing projects supporting varied government agencies or military services and diverse national security challenges
  • Build a network and explore areas of interest by connecting with colleagues
  • Gain sufficient experience to select the right path for yourself

Open Positions

Currently hiring for 2025 cohorts in the following disciplines:

Communication Engineering

From military satellite communications to advanced RF systems, you will harness cutting-edge signal processing and software-defined radio technicques to tackle multifaceted challenges in natonal defense. Your innovative solutions and technical expertise will ensure secure, efficient data exchange, reinforcing the backbone of our nation's communication networks. 

Positions available in Mclean, VA & Bedford, MA

Systems Engineering

From conceptualizing resilient architectures to managing complex system integrations, you will employ your systems engineering acumen and strategic problem-solving skills to address critical national security challenges. Collaborating with government stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams, you will help deliver robust, high-value defense capabilities that anticipate and neutralize emerging threats. 

Positions available in Mclean, VA; Bedford, MA; San Diego, CA; Huntsville, AL; Quantico, VA; & Colorado Springs, CO

Software Engineering

From crafting mission-critical applications to pioneering agile development practices, you will leverage your software engineering expetise to design scalable, secure solutions that meet the evolving needs of national security. Working closely with cross-functional teams and senior government leaders, you will drive innovation that empowers our sponsors and transforms defense technology for a safer future. 

Positions available in McLean, VA; Bedford, MA; San Diego, CA; Huntsville, AL; & Colorado Springs, CO

Employee Testimonials

Maddie-Long-NSAP
Madeline Long The NSAP program has been instrumental in advancing my career, providing invaluable skills and opening doors to new opportunities. Its in-depth instruction and mentorship have enhanced my professional capabilities and personal growth, leaving me more confident and empowered to tackle challenges and contribute meaningfully to MITRE.
Risley-Matthew-NSAP-2
Vijay Prasad As a recent graduate, MITRE’s NSAP expanded my expertise in AI, space systems, and defense acquisitions, while supporting U.S. Government projects. It enhanced my technical skills, policy knowledge, and professional network. Through mentorship and leadership development, NSAP empowered me to tackle critical national challenges. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in MITRE’s work with the U.S. Government. 
Risley-Matthew-NSAP
Matthew Risley Participating in NSAP has transformed my career by helping me discover my passion, build a strong network of colleagues, and foster relationships. It has been a pivotal steppingstone in my global experience, offering opportunities to work in both the US and Europe, and stands as one of the best decisions I've made since joining MITRE. 
Dr. Michael Balazs
Dr. Michael A. Balazs
MITRE’s National Security Accelerator Program Manager & Autonomy Futurist

For more information on the National Security Accelerator Program (NSAP), contact us at newprofessionals@mitre.org.