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Defense Journalist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Radiant

Media Relations Director

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$154K - $256K/yr

You'll be the primary interface between Radiant and the media world, building relationships with podcasters, journalists, and newsletter writers who cover energy, defense, technology, business and ...

WOWK-TV

Digital Content Producer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

... defense, research, education, and innovation. WHNT is committed to delivering serious, relevant local journalism for an audience that expects more than headlines. This is an opportunity to do ...

Defense Unicorns

Marketing Content Manager (SMM210)

OR · On-site +1

Own the day-to-day management of Defense Unicorns' presence on LinkedIn and X. * Plan, write ... journalism, or a related field. * An exceptional writer and editor with a portfolio demonstrating ...

Kratos Defense

Proposal/Technical Writer

Glen Burnie, MD · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Kratos Defense & Rocket Support Services is seeking a Proposal/Technical Writer to support our team ... S Degree in engineering plus a Degree in English, Journalism, or Technical Writing Or a ...

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Defense Journalist information

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How much do defense journalist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for defense journalist in the United States is $60,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,000.00 and $79,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a defense journalist?

Defense journalists are reporters who specialize in covering military, defense policies, national security, and related geopolitical issues. They investigate and report on topics such as armed conflicts, military technology, defense budgets, government policies, and international relations. Their work often involves interviewing military officials, analyzing defense strategies, and sometimes reporting from conflict zones. Defense journalists play a vital role in informing the public about security matters and holding authorities accountable for defense-related decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a defense journalist?

To thrive as a Defense Journalist, you need strong investigative reporting skills, in-depth knowledge of military affairs, and a background in journalism or communications. Familiarity with data analysis tools, secure communication platforms, and newsroom content management systems is often necessary. Critical thinking, discretion, and the ability to build trust with sensitive sources are highly valued soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for producing accurate, insightful coverage while maintaining security and ethical standards in a high-stakes reporting environment.

What are some common challenges defense journalists face when reporting on military and security topics?

Defense journalists often encounter challenges such as navigating classified information, verifying sources in highly sensitive environments, and understanding complex military jargon. Gaining access to official statements or frontline locations can be restricted due to security protocols, which may require building strong relationships with military personnel and public affairs officers. Additionally, there's a need to balance accuracy with responsibility, ensuring that reporting does not compromise operational security or national interests while still providing the public with transparent, factual information.

What is the difference between Defense Journalist vs Military Correspondent?

AspectDefense JournalistMilitary Correspondent
CredentialsJournalism degree, reporting experienceJournalism degree, reporting experience, sometimes military background
Work EnvironmentNewsrooms, media outlets, field reportingOn military bases, conflict zones, field reporting
Employer & IndustryMedia companies, news agenciesNews agencies, broadcasters, military media

Defense journalists and military correspondents both report on military topics, but defense journalists focus on analyzing defense policies and military news for media outlets, while military correspondents often cover active military operations and conflict zones, sometimes with military experience. The roles overlap in credentials and work environment, but their primary focus and reporting scope differ.

How do you become a defense journalist?

To become a defense journalist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, along with strong writing and research skills. Gaining experience through internships or reporting on defense and security topics helps build expertise, and familiarity with military terminology, government agencies, and relevant tools like data analysis software can be advantageous.

How much do defense journalists make?

Defense journalists typically earn between $50,000 and $90,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the employer. Senior or specialized reporters with extensive knowledge of military and defense topics can earn higher salaries, especially when working for major media outlets or in government-related roles.

What are popular job titles related to Defense Journalist jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Defense Journalist 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 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,979 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Media Relations Director

El Segundo, CA • On-site

Radiant
See more jobs at Radiantexternal

$154K - $256K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 10 hours ago

Job description

About Radiant
Radiant is an El Segundo, CA-based startup building the world's first mass-produced, portable nuclear microreactors. The company's first reactor, Kaleidos, is a 1-megawatt, fail-safe microreactor that can be transported anywhere power is needed and run for up to 5 years without refueling. Portable nuclear power with rapid-deploy capability can replace similar-sized diesel generators and provide critical asset support for hospitals, data centers, remote sites, and military bases. Radiant's unique, practical approach to nuclear development leverages modern software engineering to rapidly deliver safe, factory-built microreactors that use existing, well-qualified materials. Founded in 2020, Radiant is on track to test its first reactor at the Idaho National Laboratory this summer, with initial customer deliveries beginning in 2028.
About the Role
We're looking for a Media Relations Director to own Radiant's external media presence-from podcast bookings and journalist relationships to investor amplification and executive communications. This role is critical: despite Radiant having more substance, competitors are seeking to out-hustle us on new media.
You'll be the primary interface between Radiant and the media world, building relationships with podcasters, journalists, and newsletter writers who cover energy, defense, technology, business and more. You'll prep executives for appearances, coordinate amplification campaigns, and ensure every major milestone gets the coverage it deserves.
Responsibilities & Duties:
  • Drive media coverage for Radiant targeting top-tier outlets, podcasts, shows, and newsletters covering defense, technology, business, government, and energy.
  • Build and maintain relationships with reporters at those same publications.
  • Cultivate relationships with new media outlets, newsletters, and online publications that reach our audiences.
  • Coordinate investor amplification during milestone announcements-pre-briefing investors with draft posts and embargo timing to maximize reach.
  • Supportexecutive communications including developing talking points, preparing executives for interviews, and ensuring spokespeople are deployed to appropriate audiences.
  • Monitor media landscape and competitors, the industry and more.
  • Manage crisis communications when Radiant or the nuclear industry faces negative coverage.
  • Track and report on media metrics, including coverage volume, sentiment, share of voice vs. competitors, and amplification reach.

Required Qualifications & Skills:
  • 8+ years in media relations, communications, or PR-ideally in technology, energy, aerospace, or defense.
  • Demonstrated success booking executives on broadcast and top-tier podcasts and securing feature coverage from top-tier publications.
  • Existing relationships with journalists, podcasters, or media gatekeepers (or proven ability to build them).
  • Experience preparing spokespeople for high-stakes media appearances.
  • Understanding of the new media landscape-podcasts, newsletters, social platforms-and how influence flows through and across these channels.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work across time zones and accommodate media schedules.

Desired Qualifications & Skills:
  • Existing relationships with business, defense, energy, or technology podcasters and media creators.
  • Experience with nuclear energy communications and the unique sensitivities involved.
  • Prior work with defense technology companies.

Key Metrics:
  • 25+ podcast/media appearances per year across executives.
  • 4 + coordinated investor amplification events per year.
  • Multiple features per month in high-reach newsletters and publications.

Additional Requirements:
  • Must be willing to work extended hours and weekends as necessary to accomplish our mission.
  • Must work 100% onsite at El Segundo HQ.

Benefits and Perks
  • Stock: Substantial incentive stock plan for all full-time employees.
  • Medical: 100% up to base silver level plan for employee + 50% dependents, offers up to Platinum plans.
  • One Medical: Sponsored memberships for employees and their dependents.
  • Vision: 100% top tier plan coverage + 50% for dependents.
  • Dental: 100% top tier plan coverage, orthodontia extra, 50% for dependents.
  • Voluntary life, accident, hospital, critical illness, commuter and FSA/HSA are offered as employee contributed benefits.
  • 8-weeks of paid parental leave for all parents. Additional paid pregnancy leave for CA employees.
  • Daily catered lunch. Free snacks and drinks.
  • Flexible PTO policy. Remote workday allocation.
  • Company and team-bonding events, happy hours and in-person camaraderie.
  • Beautiful El Segundo headquarters close to the Pacific Ocean.

Total Compensation and Benefits
Radiant compensates people for impact and invests in those who continue to raise the bar. Radiant's new hire compensation package includes base salary, substantial equity grants, and comprehensive health benefits. Total compensation and level are determined through a rigorous evaluation of interview performance, experience, education, and qualifications, and are designed to support continued growth as scope, responsibility, and impact expand at Radiant.
The best of today's advanced reactor builders don't wait for job postings. They join the winning team. If that's you, contact us directly for immediate opportunities: recruiting@radiantnuclear.com.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
This position involves access to technology that is subject to U.S. export controls. Any job offer made will be contingent upon the applicant's capacity to serve in compliance with U.S. export controls.

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