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Defense Editor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Center for a New American Security

Editor

Washington, DC · On-site

$55K - $95K/yr

The editor, reporting to the editorial and publications director, will play a key role in ... defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep ...

Leidos

Technical Editor (Mid)

Reston, VA · On-site

In this mission space, we support DIA/NDOC's OSINT production on behalf of the Defense Intelligence ... As a Technical Editor, you will support the development, review, and refinement of a variety of ...

GWYNEDD

Junior Motion Graphics Editor

North Wales, PA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

S. Department of Defense and various U.S. Federal Law Enforcement Agencies. As an innovative company offering a wide array of products, we strive to continuously develop new technology and drive ...

Geologics

Technical Editor/Writer

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

$55 - $61.75/hr

Technical Editor/Writer needed: Grand Prairie, TX. We have an opening with a great client of ours ... defense, or high‑tech environments; prior work with test equipment documentation preferred.

Geologics

Technical Editor/Writer

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

$55 - $61.75/hr

Technical Editor/Writer needed: Grand Prairie, TX. We have an opening with a great client of ours ... defense, or high‑tech environments; prior work with test equipment documentation preferred.

Geologics

Technical Editor/Writer

Grand Prairie, TX · On-site

$55 - $61.75/hr

Technical Editor/Writer needed: Grand Prairie, TX. We have an opening with a great client of ours ... defense, or high-tech environments; prior work with test equipment documentation preferred.

Morgan & Morgan, P.A.

Video Editor

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

For millions of Americans, we're their last line of defense against insurance companies, large ... As a Video Editor, you will be responsible for creating compelling and visually stunning video ...

Punchbowl News

Deputy Policy Editor

Washington, DC

$130K - $160K/yr

Our policy beats include, finance, tax, tech and defense with a plan to expand into more areas. The best person for this job has extensive editing experience, expert knowledge of how politics shapes ...

AMSG Inc

Senior Writer/Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

... Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense Health Agency (DHA), Department of ... The Senior Writer/Editor will provide expert technical knowledge to Department of War (DoW ...

AMSG

Senior Writer/Editor

Arlington, VA · On-site

... Defense (DoD), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Defense Health Agency (DHA), Department of ... The Senior Writer/Editor will provide expert technical knowledge to Department of War (DoW ...

BAE Systems

SMP Technical Writer/Editor

Rockville, MD · On-site

$82K - $140K/yr

As a Technical Editor, you will make key contributions to the Documentation Enterprise team in ... As one of the top ten defense contractors, we employ a skilled workforce of around 100,000 people ...

BAE Systems

SMP Technical Writer/Editor

Rockville, MD · On-site

As a Technical Editor, you will make key contributions to the Documentation Enterprise team in ... As one of the top ten defense contractors, we employ a skilled workforce of around 100,000 people ...

BAE Systems

SMP Technical Writer/Editor

Potomac, MD

$82K - $140K/yr

As a Technical Editor, you will make key contributions to the Documentation Enterprise team in ... As one of the top ten defense contractors, we employ a skilled workforce of around 100,000 people ...

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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 Jun 7, 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 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 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.
Infographic showing various Defense Editor job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 33% Contract. Highlights an 70% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 26% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,622 per year, or $28.7 per hour.
Editor

Editor

Center for a New American Security

Washington, DC • On-site

$55K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) is seeking an editor to help execute the Center's publications process. CNAS is a leading foreign policy and national security think tank that produces approximately 40 major analytic reports each year.
The editor, reporting to the editorial and publications director, will play a key role in coordinating the Center's publications and will work closely with the Publications and Communications teams, as well as the eight research programs. They must be able to work independently and as part of a small team. The editor should have impeccable attention to detail, an ability to manage multiple projects at once, and a strong background in editing. This is an overview of primary responsibilities. Other tasks may be required, and responsibilities may vary to fulfill the Center's needs.
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Edit and copyedit products as assigned, including policy reports, press releases, email newsletters, commentaries, etc., for grammar, style, and layout.
  • Master the publications process to facilitate submissions.
  • Work with researchers to prepare their reports for publication at various stages in the publications process.
  • Support the editorial and publications director, including by processing invoices and contracts, updating the publications archive, and keeping team documents current, among other tasks.
  • Assist the editorial and publications director with deadline management and communication.
  • Coordinate assignments and deadlines with external contractors.
  • Coordinate closely with the Communications team to lay out and produce online products.
  • Serve as a resource on style, grammar, and the publications process for other staff members.
  • Review credits/sources for visual material, including photos and graphics.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant area of study.
  • 4+ years of editorial experience in print and/or online publications.
  • Exceptional copyediting and proofreading skills.
  • Strong organizational skills, initiative, and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a small team.
  • Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects at once, balance competing deadlines, and shift priorities among projects.
  • Mastery of the Chicago Manual of Style.
  • Interest in contributing to cutting-edge research on U.S. national security policy.
  • Legal right to work in the United States.
  • Based in Washington, D.C. metro area (DC, MD, VA) or willing to relocate upon job offer. This position includes a mix of remote and in-person work, with a regular presence at our D.C. office expected. We're open to discussing the specific arrangement with strong candidates.

ABOUT CNAS
The Center for a New American Security develops bold, innovative, and bipartisan national security and defense policies that promote and protect American interests and values. Building on the deep expertise and broad experience of its staff and advisors, CNAS engages policymakers, experts, and the public with innovative fact-based research, ideas, and analysis to shape and elevate the national security debate. As an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit research organization, CNAS leads efforts to help inform and prepare the national security leaders of today and tomorrow. CNAS is located in Washington, D.C.
CNAS is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
CNAS offers a complete and competitive benefits package for employees which includes medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, 403(b) retirement accounts, transportation subsidies, and an employee assistance program.

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