Threat Management Co-Op (Fall 2026)

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 2,000+ employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation.

About the role

This role will reside within the Threat Management (OTM) team within the Draper Security department to provide project and additional duty support. The primary assignment will be in support of the OTM’s Senior Counterintelligence (CI) Analyst to learn how TM provides analytic/assessment support to Draper, but the Co-op will also be introduced to functional CI and Insider Threat (InT).

This is a great opportunity for a college student to gain real-world experience in the CI and InT fields as it pertains to protecting classified research and development for a government contractor. The CI Analyst co-op will rotate working between multiple groups within the department to ensure a comprehensive professional development experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide assistance to Draper’s Senior CI Analyst, including conducting open source research, analysis, and reviewing/providing inputs into intelligence assessments and awareness messages.
• Assist OTM members in developing a base of knowledge and gaining experience across CI, InT, and security investigations (SI) missions when time permits.
• Attend meetings, take notes, and review OTM activities to learn CI and InT processes and provide support to TM actions.
• Work on projects to provide awareness, protect Draper equities, and improve processes.
• Perform clerical duties, process paperwork, provide customer service, or perform data entry as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be enrolled in an accredited bachelor’s or master’s degree program in Intelligence, Political Science, Cybersecurity, Criminal Justice, Criminology, Homeland Security, Security Studies, or related fields.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.
• Willingness and ability to apply for a US Government security clearance upon acceptance of offer is required.
• This position and/or the facilities in which its duties will be performed are subject to national security programs; applicants with dual citizenship may not be considered.

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong work ethic with the ability to work independently or in a team environment.
• Ability to adapt to ever-changing environments, risks, and vulnerabilities.
• Strong computer skills including MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Highly motivated with an interest in the fields of CI, InT, and investigations methodologies and best practices.
• Skill and expertise in conducting research and writing papers or assessments.

Schedule

There is flexibility regarding work hours and program duration based on the applicant’s school schedule and availability. This position can be partially hybrid remote; however, being in the Reston office when appropriate is an important part of this experience.

Pay

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $20.00 - $45.00 per hour. Individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Benefits

Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance, including workplace flexibility, employee clubs (ranging from photography to yoga), health and finance workshops, off-site social events, and discounts to local museums and cultural activities.

Location: Reston, VA (Postal Code: 20190)