Senior Strategic Defense Analyst Jobs

Senior Strategic Defense Analyst

We are seeking an experienced defense strategy professional to provide high-level analytical support within a fast-paced national security environment. This individual will evaluate complex military, geopolitical, and operational challenges and translate findings into objective recommendations for senior defense leaders responsible for force planning, policy development, and strategic decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in a relevant discipline such as Strategic Studies, National Security Affairs, Defense Economics, Intelligence Analysis, International Relations, Military Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience conducting strategic research, defense analysis, force planning, policy assessment, or related national security work.
• Demonstrated knowledge of defense organizations and planning processes, with prior experience supporting military headquarters, joint organizations, major commands, combatant commands, or senior-level defense staffs.
• Deep understanding of military strategy, force modernization, operational concepts, defense competition, campaign assessment, force design, or related strategic planning disciplines.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with a proven ability to brief senior leaders and produce high-quality analytical products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Examine underlying assumptions within operational models, planning scenarios, and investment strategies to identify risks, limitations, and areas requiring further analysis.
• Develop alternative perspectives and competing viewpoints to challenge prevailing assumptions and evaluate potential courses of action under realistic resource constraints.
• Convert complex technical, operational, and analytical findings into concise, decision-quality products including executive briefings, policy papers, assessments, and recommendations.
• Evaluate proposed force structures, capabilities, and modernization initiatives against national-level defense priorities, combatant command requirements, and emerging operational concepts.
• Integrate insights from multiple disciplinesincluding economics, military affairs, political science, technology trends, and regional dynamicsto assess strategic challenges and opportunities.
• Apply forecasting techniques and analytic methodologies to evaluate future scenarios, identify emerging risks, and support long-range planning efforts.
• Leverage open-source research, quantitative data, and other publicly available information to inform assessments and support evidence-based recommendations.
• Incorporate cultural, regional, and geopolitical considerations into strategic analysis to improve the quality and relevance of policy recommendations.

Desired Experience:

• Candidates with backgrounds in force development, strategy and plans, campaign analysis, operational assessment, net assessment, deterrence studies, international security, great-power competition, air and space strategy, or defense modernization initiatives are highly desired.

Clearance: Top Secret / SCI

Work Location: Full-time onsite in the National Capital Region

Start Date: Immediate

Compensation: $150,000$160,000 annually