Government Relations Summer Intern

About this role

Stratolaunch accelerates the development of next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through reusable hypersonic flight testing. Our autonomous, air-launched Talon-A vehicles provide access to operationally realistic flight environments at speeds exceeding Mach 5, delivering critical data that helps customers validate system performance and advance technologies toward deployment.

Our team brings together expertise in engineering, manufacturing, and flight operations to solve complex challenges and advance capabilities essential to national security.

Government Relations Summer Intern Stratolaunch LLC | Washington, DC | Summer 2027 | Full-time

Stratolaunch is seeking a Summer Intern to support the company's Government Relations efforts in Washington, DC.

About the role

The intern will work directly with Stratolaunch's Senior Director of Government Relations on congressional engagement, executive branch outreach, and policy and budget research supporting the company's hypersonic flight test mission. This is a substantive role, with work products drafted for senior internal leadership and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Track and summarize congressional legislation, hearings, and markup activity related to hypersonic testing, missile defense, and INDOPACOM and Pentagon priorities
• Conduct research on Members of Congress, congressional staff, executive branch officials and their activities potentially affecting Stratolaunch and the hypersonic sector
• Draft briefing memos, one-pagers, and meeting prep materials
• Support meetings with congressional staff, Department of War officials, and allied government representatives
• Help maintain government relations tracking systems (action items, contact databases, distribution lists)
• Monitor open-source intelligence on hypersonic technology, the defense industrial base, and competitor activity

Qualifications

• Rising junior, senior, or graduate student in political science, public policy, government, international affairs, defense studies, engineering policy, or a related field
• Strong written and oral communication; ability to summarize complex material concisely and accurately
• Familiarity with the congressional process and U.S. defense policy preferred
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• U.S. citizenship; ability to obtain a security clearance a plus but not required for this position

- #Li-Am1

Year 1-2: $28.00/hr

Year 3-4: $31.25/hr

*Year = number of years completed (ex: year 3 means they have completed their junior year and are going into their senior year)

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits and our location(s):

• Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
• Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
• 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
• Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles. The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers.

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment. For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :

Open www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf