Defense Strategist
US$150,500 – US$211,000 / yr base salary
Posted 4 Sep 2026
Advertised as “Senior Defense Strategist”
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Management level
- Individual contributor
| Base salary | US$150,500 – US$211,000 / yr |
|---|
Who we are
Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America’s drone industrial base. We design and manufacture high-performance unmanned systems that are tested in combat, iterated at startup speed, and built at massive scale. Our team culture is fast, hands-on, and obsessed with closing the gap between design and deployment.
As drones transform the character of warfare, Neros is delivering the systems the West needs to compete on the modern battlefield and deter the adversaries of democracy. We’re hiring engineers, operators, and builders who want to move fast, take on extreme ownership, and get capability into the hands of warfighters in months, not years.
What you will be doing
The Senior Defense Strategist will serve as a senior representative of Neros within the defense and national security community, with a particular focus on developing trusted relationships with key stakeholders across the Pentagon and translating Neros' technical capabilities into compelling strategic narratives. This is a high-impact role for someone who understands how decisions are made inside the Department of Defense, knows the priorities and perspectives of senior defense leaders, and can credibly articulate why emerging technologies matter to the future of U.S. national security. You will operate at the intersection of defense strategy, technology, policy, and relationships—helping Neros anticipate where the defense enterprise is going, identify where our capabilities can have the greatest impact, and shape the conversation around the role Neros can play.
You should have the following
- Significant experience working in or closely with the U.S. national security establishment, particularly the Department of Defense
- A strong understanding of Pentagon decision-making, organizational dynamics, acquisition processes, and defense strategy
- An established network of relationships across relevant defense and national security stakeholders
- Exceptional ability to communicate complex technical and strategic concepts clearly and persuasively to senior audiences
- Strong strategic judgment and the ability to distinguish meaningful opportunities from noise
- Experience engaging senior military, civilian, policy, or industry leaders
- The credibility and interpersonal skills to build genuine, trusted relationships over time
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-moving technology company while bringing the rigor and perspective of the national security community
- Comfort representing a company and its technology in high-stakes, senior-level environments
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance
US Salary Range
$150,500 – $211,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are considered part of Neros' total compensation package.
We’re an equal opportunity employer. We welcome all applicants without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.