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Defense Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Agile Defense

Intelligence Production Editor

Rosslyn, VA · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

About Agile Defense At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges ... Intelligence Production Editor Location: Rosslyn, VA Clearance Level: Top Secret Clearance Required ...

Agile Defense

Intelligence Production Editor

Rosslyn, VA · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

About Agile Defense At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges ... Intelligence Production Editor Location: Rosslyn, VA Clearance Level: Top Secret Clearance Required ...

GDR Defense

Authored Works Review Editor

Bethesda, MD · On-site

Authored Works Review Editor Location: Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda ... Ensure compliance with AP Style, command style guides, and applicable Department of Defense and ...

Nalley Consulting

Content Editor - Mid

Washington, DC · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Content Editor Location: JBAB, Washington, DC LCAT: Mid Required clearance and polygraph: Active TS ... Read and evaluate intelligence products and ensure defense tradecraft standards are met. * Evaluate ...

U.S. Marine Corps

EDITOR

Quantico, VA · On-site +1

$70K - $111K/yr

Within the Department of Defense (DoD), the appointment of retired military members within 180 days ... editing historical and scholarly monographs and journal articles for publication using the Chicago ...

The Employee Connect

Technical Editor

New England, ND · On-site

$90K - $98K/hr

... and defense programs, is seeking a Technical Editor for an onsite, permanent position in New ... England, North Dakota. The role owns the clarity, accuracy, and consistency of technical ...

Neros Technologies

Video Editor

Torrance, CA · On-site

$130K - $144K/yr

Who we are Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We ... Own the end-to-end video editing workflow at Neros including edit, color, sound, VFX, and ...

Neros Technologies

Video Editor

Torrance, CA · On-site

$130K - $144K/yr

Who we are Neros is a defense technology company rebuilding America's drone industrial base. We ... Own the end-to-end video editing workflow at Neros including edit, color, sound, VFX, and ...

NCCER

Editor

Alachua, FL

You will act as a last line of defense, protecting our content from any sneaky typos or comma ... Alongside other editors, you will ensure all copy is clear and concise, meets an 8th grade reading ...

AMSG

Senior Writer/Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

Defense Health Agency (DHA) * Department of Energy (DOE) * Department of Homeland Security (DHS ... Senior Writer/Editor ID: 1617 Location: Arlington, VA Department: N/A More about this job ...

BryceTech

Senior Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

... defense. We specialize in systems engineering, advanced analytics, R&D programs, and strategic ... BryceTech is seeking a Senior Editor to support National Guard Bureau executive leadership by ...

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Defense Editor information

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$11K

$59.6K

$65K

How much do defense editor jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense editor in the United States is $59,622.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,000.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a defense editor do?

A Defense Editor is a journalist or editor who specializes in covering military, defense, and national security topics. They are responsible for overseeing news coverage related to defense policies, military operations, technology, and international security issues. Defense Editors assign stories, edit reports, and often interact with defense officials and experts to provide accurate information. They ensure that complex defense topics are explained clearly and are relevant to the publication's audience. Their role is critical in informing the public about important developments in national and global security.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense editor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Defense Editor, you need strong journalistic skills, subject-matter expertise in defense or military affairs, and typically a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems, news wire services, and fact-checking tools is essential for efficient workflow and accuracy. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are critical soft skills that help in evaluating sources and presenting complex topics clearly. These skills ensure credible, timely, and insightful reporting on defense issues, building trust with readers and stakeholders.

How does a defense editor typically collaborate with subject matter experts and journalists to ensure accurate reporting?

A Defense Editor regularly works closely with subject matter experts, defense analysts, and journalists to verify technical details and contextual accuracy in stories. This involves coordinating interviews, fact-checking complex information, and providing editorial guidance to ensure both clarity and precision. Effective collaboration helps maintain credibility and ensures that content meets the publication's standards while addressing the evolving interests of readers in defense topics.

What is the difference between Defense Editor vs Defense Writer?

AspectDefense EditorDefense Writer
Required credentialsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field; knowledge of defense topicsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field; specialized knowledge of defense issues
Work environmentEditorial offices, media outlets, defense publicationsFreelance or staff writing for defense magazines, websites, or reports
Employer and industry usageMedia companies, defense contractors, government agenciesMedia outlets, defense publications, freelance clients

Defense Editors oversee the content, editing, and publication process of defense-related news and articles, ensuring accuracy and clarity. Defense Writers focus on creating original content, articles, or reports about defense topics. While both roles require knowledge of defense issues, Editors manage the editorial process, whereas Writers produce the content itself.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Editor jobs?

For Defense Editor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Defense Editor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

Intelligence Production Editor

Rosslyn, VA • On-site

Agile Defense
IT Services • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Agile Defenseexternal

$115K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

About Agile Defense
 
At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That's why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.
 
Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility-leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation's vital interests.

Requisition #: 1822
Job Title: Intelligence Production Editor
Location: Rosslyn, VA
Clearance Level: Top Secret Clearance Required to Start
Job Description
Agile Defense is looking for an Intelligence Production Editor to enhance the consistency and quality of intelligence products for a federal law enforcement client's Open Source Intelligence Program focused on detecting threats to specific people, locations, and events.
 
In this role, you will ensure that established production standards are uniformly applied while conducting detailed technical edits to elevate the analytic rigor of each report. Your work will involve close collaboration with intelligence analysts, leadership, and other stakeholders to refine products, maintain high standards of clarity and accuracy, and ensure that all reports are aligned with organizational objectives. Additionally, you will help drive continuous improvements in production standards, identifying areas for enhancement, and contributing to the development of training programs aimed at improving writing and analytic skills across the office. 
 
  • The work schedule will be regular business hours, Monday through Friday, with the ability to request situational telework per policy.
  • Intelligence Product Editing. Conduct technical and substantive editing of intelligence products to ensure clarity, accuracy, and adherence to established production standards.
  • Production Standards Oversight. Ensure that developed production standards are consistently applied across all intelligence products, improving the quality and analytic rigor over time.
  • Enhance Analytical Rigor. Review and refine intelligence products to ensure that they meet the highest standards of accuracy, logical flow, and analytic depth.
  • Training Support. Assist in developing and implementing training modules focused on improving production standards and enhancing the writing and analytic skills of the team.
  • Collaborative Feedback. Work closely with intelligence analysts and leadership to provide constructive feedback aimed at refining intelligence products while fostering an environment of continuous improvement.
  • Support Long-Term Improvements. Play a key role in identifying areas for improvement in the production process and work towards implementing better standards and methodologies. sent 
Education and Background
  •  Bachelor's Degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience or 8+ years of relevant experience without a degree.
Required Skills
  • Bachelor's Degree and at least 5 years of relevant experience or 8+ years of relevant experience without a degree.
  • Proven experience in editing intelligence products or reports, with a focus on ensuring analytic rigor and adherence to established standards.
  • Background in intelligence production, with experience conducting technical editing to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency across all products.
  • Strong writing and editing abilities, with the capability to improve both short and long-form intelligence products.
  • Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills, with the ability to interact effectively and professionally with individuals at all levels.
  • Highly collaborative, with the ability to engage in discussions, collaborate with team members, and produce enhanced intelligence products through collective input.
  • Proven ability to meet production deadlines while managing competing priorities and delivering high-quality products under time constraints.
  • A self-motivated individual eager to contribute, learn, and exceed customer expectations through their work. 
Preferred Skills
  • Knowledge of production of intelligence assessments in accordance with Intelligence Community Directives (ICD) requirements. 
Working Conditions
Typical Office Environment
$115,000 - $125,000 a year
Our Core Values
 
Employees of Agile Defense are our number one priority, and the importance we place on our culture here is fundamental. Our culture is alive and evolving, but it always stays true to its roots. Here, you are valued as a family member, and we believe that we can accomplish great things together. Agile Defense has been highly successful in the past few years due to our employees and the culture we create together. 
 
What makes us Agile? We call it the 6Hs, the values that define our culture and guide everything we do. Together, these values infuse vibrancy, integrity, and a tireless work ethic into advancing the most important national security and critical civilian missions. It's how we show up every day. It's who we are.
 
  • Happy - Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.
  • Helpful - Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.
  • Honest - Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.
  • Humble - Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.
  • Hungry - Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.
  • Hustle - Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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