Job Description
Geospatial Analysis Intern
BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world’s most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets, and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky’s data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.
BlackSky is looking for a Geospatial Analysis Intern for the Summer of 2026 to work within our First to Know team. As a member of this team, you will work with geospatial analysts, software engineers, and data scientists on these projects, and report to the Senior Manager, GIS Operations. You will work with the team to generate analytic products highlighting BlackSky capabilities, develop new products/capabilities incorporating a variety of other data, and manage/query/update geospatial datasets used across multiple projects. The ideal candidate has experience working within a geospatial framework, with coursework specifically in geographic information system (GIS) or satellite imagery analysis, as well as experience manipulating and analyzing data using Python. Additionally, the ideal candidate has demonstrated their ability to analyze a geospatial problem or project and effectively communicate the results to both domain experts and people outside of that domain.
This position is based in Herndon, VA and the candidate must be able to work from that office on a hybrid basis. This is a paid summer internship position.
Responsibilities:
- Assist First to Know (FTK) team in identifying important global events or locations to monitor.
- Submit and manage tasks for imagery collection.
- Generate imagery or GIS analysis products for both customer and internal use.
- Manage geospatial data, including conducting quality checks and maintaining version control.
- Adapt/develop lightweight Python scripts.
- Other job-related duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- Current student studying computer science, geography, intelligence analysis, or other relevant degree such as geopolitics or international relations.
- Rising junior, senior or grad student status as of Summer 2026.
- Prior experience using Python.
- Prior experience with geospatial and/or imagery analysis programs such as QGIS, ESRI Suite, SOCET GXP, ENVI, or ERDAS Imagine.
- Understanding of geospatial data formats, coordinate systems, and management practices.
- Strong problem-solving skills and an eagerness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a collaborative team setting.
- Must be able to report to Herndon, VA office at least 2x per week.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Prior internship experience.
- Experience with imagery interpretation.
- Basic knowledge of how to use APIs.
- Experience using Python outside of ESRI workflows.
