Missle Defense Agency

U.S Department of Defense

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Missile Defense Career Development Program

Entry-level opportunities at MDA are offered through the Missile Defense Career Development Program (MDCDP), part of the new U.S. Government “Pathways” program.

The Pathways Programs offer clear paths to Federal internships for students from high school through post-graduate school and to careers for recent graduates. The Program provides meaningful training and career development opportunities for individuals who are at the beginning of their Federal service. As a student or recent graduate, you can begin your career with the Missile Defense Agency by choosing the path that best describes you and where you are in your academics:

  • Internship Program: This program is for current students enrolled in a wide variety of educational institutions from high school to graduate level, with paid opportunities to work in agencies and explore Federal careers while still in school. To find out more about the Internship Program, go to the Pathways Programs Fact Sheet.
  • Recent Graduates Program: This program is for individuals who have recently graduated from qualifying educational institutions or programs and seek a dynamic, career development program with training and mentorship. To be eligible, applicants must apply within two years of degree or certificate completion (except for veterans precluded from doing so due to their military service obligation, who will have up to six years to apply). To find out more about the Recent Graduates Program, go to the Pathways Programs Fact Sheet.
  • Presidential Management Fellows (PMF) Program: For more than three decades, the PMF Program has been the Federal government’s premier leadership development program for advanced degree candidates. This program is now for individuals who have received a qualifying advanced degree within the preceding two years. For more information about the PMF Program, go to the Pathways Programs Fact Sheet.
What Is It?

It is an exciting, hands-on approach to gaining the specific skills and experience on cutting-edge technology that will put you on a fast track to success in the missile defense community. You will acquire valuable technical and work-related skills through rotational assignments that include seminars and formal classroom training, as well as on-the-job training. You will be paired with a mentor, who will help you evaluate your career path as well as opportunities for professional and personal growth. You will work hand-in-hand with the industry partners that develop our technology – managing, overseeing and helping guide development that keeps America safe.

The Benefits

Along with the salary, training and all of the benefits of federal employment, you will be eligible for promotion opportunities throughout the program and may be able to take advantage of continuing education opportunities, recruitment and/or relocation bonuses and repayment of student loans. At the end of the two-year program, you will have the possibility of non-competitive conversion to a permanent position with MDA.

When To Apply?

We have recently closed new graduate announcements for entry-level Logistics Management Specialists, IT Specialists, Financial Analysts, Human Resource Specialists, Security Specialists and Operational Research Specialists. We do not have a timeline on when we will hire these job titles again.

We are anticipating the hire of new graduate entry-level General Engineers.

Monitor this site for open MDA Entry Level announcements. We will post links to any open announcements on USA Jobs.

How to apply
Once the positions are announced, read the announcement multiple times, work carefully on your resume and submit your resume and any requested documents in accordance with the instructions in the announcement.

Questions?
Email your employment-related questions to: jobquestions@mda.mil

Testimonials

Hear what real MDCDP employees have to say about their experiences in the program. A few of our interns shared their thoughts and advice about MDA careers:

  • Polk Yu
  • Kamisha Holloway
  • Zachary Gleuckert
  • Jordon Haycock

POLK YU, Systems & Test Engineer


Why MDA?

I applied for a career with MDA because I wanted a change of pace compared to a career in industry. The possible work described in the vacancy announcement caught my attention. The MDCDP program allowed rotational assignments and offered a progressive transition into MDA.

I was looking for a career development program within a large organization – to learn more about the organization and gain a technical background with opportunities to grow and learn.

The MDCDP program

The MDCDP program provided one of the best opportunities to begin a career anywhere. The opportunities to learn, grow and expand seemed endless. It was a very positive experience for me. I liked rotating to new assignments to learn new skills and learn about the agency every six months. The transitional period of the program, two years, into a full-time position eased concerns I had about transitioning from college to the work force. The possibility of getting a raise every six months was also a very good incentive.

KAMISHA HOLLOWAY, Contracting


Why MDA?

I chose MDA because I was seeking security and stability. I was ready to begin my career, not just another job. The most important thing for me was flexibility. I knew I would soon start a family, so I wanted a career that would allow good work/life balance.

MDCDP Rotations

The most beneficial part of the MDCDP program is having the ability to rotate. Having the opportunity to work in different areas and learn how one area affects another is good for development. I can make better decisions knowing how each decision affects each part.

MDCDP is a relatively new program. Be patient, focus on learning and enjoy the experience. We play a vital role in our country’s defense and always remember that is the ultimate goal.

ZACHARY GLEUCKERT, General Engineer


Tremendous Technology

I worked with space environment and propulsion systems during college. Seeing the complexities of operating systems in space really interested me and is a challenging field. The MDA offered the opportunity to learn more about that and apply so much more. Not only do we have systems that operate in space, they do tremendous things while there. The level of technology is tremendous and that is why I wanted to be a part of the MDA.

I wanted extensive technical exposure to engineering systems. MDA allows me to view all of the technical issues and work with industry to understand challenges.

My MDCDP experience had me working vessel engineering for the sea-based X-band radar (SBX). On a visit to the SBX, I walked from the keel to the top of the radar, all 25 stories. I walked around with government leads, prime contractor engineers, subcontractor engineers and inspectors. Talking with these individuals and hearing their differing viewpoints I started to pull together the intricate complexities inherent in such a large system. It really made me understand how each of our decisions can critically impact so many others.

MDCDP has a unique work environment that benefits participants by allowing them to integrate and understand the system faster by allowing access to great technology, leadership and system experts at MDA.

Advice for Applicants

Be ready and open for a wide variety of work. Our work is fast paced and obstacles will often challenge you in different areas. The engineering problem that consumes one week may be quickly superseded by the documentation issues the next.

MDA’s Workforce

The workforce has surprised me with their dedication, commitment and drive. Everyone I have interacted with has been helpful and motivated.

Defending the Nation

This is the tip of spear when it comes to technology. It is a great opportunity to defend the nation by utilizing cutting-edge engineering technologies. We counter a potent threat by utilizing the latest and greatest technologies. We bridge the gap between science and reality and deliver a product that defends this nation.

JORDAN HAYCOCK, General Engineer


Why I chose MDA

MDA was at the college career fairs and was hiring. The work sounded interesting and it is a chance to help defend the USA. The work of the agency is a little different than a company in industry, however the work can be very rewarding.

MDCDP is a Hands-on Experience

MDCDP is an excellent program to help bring a new employee up to speed. It was an awesome experience! Working hands-on and going and seeing the MDA sites and learning how everything interacts was really beneficial.

Why I Love My Job

The MDA mission is so important. It’s why I’m here and love doing what I’m doing. So many people work together on different parts of a system to help develop and deliver the product to the troops. I chose this career to help develop the technology that defends our forces, friends, allies and homeland. Sometimes I leave work thinking, "Wow, I get paid to do this?"

About the Engineering Work We Do

From an engineering perspective much of the work is not as technical as many would like. There is not much design or number crunching in my position. However I get to apply everything I learned in engineering school to help manage processes, system integration and financial issues.

I work in Test, or DT, and specifically in Operation/Execution. I get the opportunity to sit on console and execute flight tests. This supports MDA’s overall mission by validating and verifying all of the previous work by others and proves our systems can intercept possible enemy targets. Through my rotation in Advanced Technologies, DV, I helped develop portions of the SM3 Block-IIB missile.

The Surprising Benefits of Federal Employment

I did not know about the flexible work schedules, the excellent benefits, the job security of the agency or the excellent educational/career development training opportunities that are abundantly present at MDA.

Supportive Mentors

Leadership has been so supportive here. My mentor/supervisor is always finding opportunities for me that may be fun, interesting and great for career development. Leadership and most others in the agency are always trying to find ways to get MDCDP participants involved in activities that will help develop their career.

Advice to New Interns

When coming into the agency with no background in missiles, defense or the workplace in general, be prepared to be bombarded with information and acronyms. It is a bit overwhelming the first few months but when you get the hang of it and you are able to understand the system and start doing things on your own the job becomes very fast paced, interesting and fun!