Hiring Organization: | Defense Contract Management Agency |
Industry: | Defense and Space Manufacturing |
Employment Type: | Government Internships |
Date Posted: | 2025-01-16 |
Closing Date: | 2025-02-15 |
Job Location: | USA |
If you’re a student or recent graduate looking for opportunities to gain experience and explore exciting career paths, the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Internship Program is here to help you get started. This program offers aspiring professionals a chance to grow in a supportive environment, work on meaningful projects, and build a strong foundation for future jobs. With positions open for quality assurance specialists, this internship is perfect for students passionate about quality control, problem-solving, and making an impact.
Here’s everything you need to know about this incredible opportunity and how you can take the first step toward your dream career.
Program Overview:
The DCMA is hiring Quality Assurance Developmental Interns. If selected, you’ll participate in the agency’s developmental training program, which includes classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and mentoring from industry experts.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Assisting with quality and manufacturing surveillance activities on contracts.
- Observing and learning how to perform pre-award and post-award contract reviews.
- Supporting quality system validation and critical characteristic inspections.
- Participating in material review boards, tool inspections, and facilities evaluations.
- Observing first article inspections and documenting quality assurance activities.
Through this role, you’ll gain real-world experience while developing skills in quality control processes and techniques.
Requirements
To qualify for the DCMA Internship Program, you’ll need to meet specific educational and professional criteria.
General Qualifications
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Must be able to pass a security clearance investigation.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must register for the Selective Service System.
Education Requirements:
You must meet one of the following to qualify at the GS-07 level (a federal pay scale for entry-level interns):
- Complete one year of graduate education in fields like quality assurance, statistics, mathematics, computer science, or engineering; or
- Obtain an Associate’s degree or complete 60 semester hours/90 quarter credits of college-level education.
Alternatively, a combination of education and specialized experience can be used to meet the qualifications. Applicants must submit their transcripts as part of their job application for assessment.
Experience Required:
Applicants must demonstrate experience in at least one of the following areas:
- Monitoring and maintaining quality assurance programs.
- Reviewing inspection systems or procedures for effectiveness.
- Analyzing quality data to detect problematic trends.
- Verifying compliance of products through intensive sampling inspection techniques.
Each applicant’s experience will be reviewed against the required specialized experience to determine qualification.
Why Choose the DCMA Internship Program?
This internship offers more than just hands-on experience—it provides a structured learning environment designed to prepare you for success.
Key Benefits:
- Skill Development: Gain exposure to quality assurance tools, methods, and best practices.
- Comprehensive Training: Participate in a robust three-year developmental program, which includes classroom instruction and on-the-job training.
- Career Growth: Open doors to permanent positions within DCMA after successful completion of the program.
- Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful connections with professionals in the field.
Interns may also be eligible for pay retention, depending on federal regulations.
Program Highlights:
- The program includes temporary travel to the DCMA Learning Campus in Fort Lee, VA, for formal training.
- Development opportunities include both remote and in-person mentorship.
- Graduates of the Keystone Program often secure full-time positions within the agency, providing a stable and rewarding career path.
How to Apply
Are you ready to join a team that helps ensure the quality of products supporting U.S. military operations? Follow these steps to submit your job application.
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
- An updated resume showcasing your academic achievements, technical skills, and relevant experience.
- Transcripts (official or unofficial): These must confirm your enrollment status and education.
- Any supporting documents indicating veterans’ preference or prior experience (if applicable).
Step 2: Complete the Online Application
Visit USAJOBS.gov and search for the DCMA Quality Assurance Specialist Internship. Submit your application through the online portal by attaching the required documents and answering all application questions.
Step 3: Follow-Up
Track the progress of your application on the USAJOBS platform. If selected for the internship, you may need to provide official transcripts during orientation. Remember, the application window is time-sensitive, so be sure to submit everything before the deadline!
Start Building Your Future
The DCMA Internship Program is more than just an opportunity—it’s a stepping stone to a fulfilling career in public service. With access to comprehensive training and real-world experience, this program equips you to excel while contributing to essential government operations.
If you’re a student or recent graduate passionate about quality assurance, problem-solving, and teamwork, seize this incredible chance to make your mark. Start your application today and work toward a rewarding, impactful career!