Defense Think Tank Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Foundation for American Innovation (FAI) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2014 with a mission to develop technology, talent, and ideas that support a better, freer, and more abundant future. Ours is a politics of builders, hackers, and founders working to advance a more perfect union between technology and the American republic.

To further this mission, FAI is seeking a Senior Fellow to cover the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence policy. Reporting to the Director of Artificial Intelligence Policy, the Senior Fellow will be responsible for producing original research and commentary, developing policy events and convenings, and supporting FAI’s AI Policy team. Fellows have the opportunity to shape policy discussions and implement practical solutions based on their unique skills and interests.

This full-time position is based in Washington, DC. We seek an energetic, motivated, and detail-oriented individual to enhance our capabilities, execute key priorities, and grow quickly into a crucial resource for staff and scholars. The ideal candidate will have a background in technical cybersecurity, looking to apply that experience at a think tank.

Fellows will conduct independent, non-partisan research on AI policy questions and support broader organizational objectives. Fellows will:

• Lead original research initiatives at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity policy.
• Foster collaboration, educate, and engage a diverse array of stakeholders, including policymakers and the general public, to inform academic and policy discussions regarding media and technology.
• Support programming for FAI fellowships and events, including speaking on panels, teaching sessions, and curating expert speakers.
• Periodic travel for FAI events in major U.S. tech hubs.

Fellows may specialize in various aspects of cybersecurity & AI policy, including but not limited to:

• Securing critical infrastructure against cyber and AI-enabled threats
• Advancing government AI adoption, particularly for national security and defense
• Protecting commercial and government AI innovations through improved security
• Standards development for high-security data centers and agentic AI

FAI welcomes applicants at all levels of experience and from all professional backgrounds. Competitive applicants will have:

• Enthusiastic support for FAI’s mission and a keen interest in our community of builders, hackers, and policy experts
• Demonstrated experience in cybersecurity or cybersecurity policy, including in industry, academia, or government
• Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences
• Comfort with working independently and as part of collaborative teams

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) match up to 6%
• Generous annual performance bonus
• $1,000 annual book credit
• Monthly commuter benefit
• Unlimited vacation policy
• An annual salary of $150,000–$250,000 (greater compensation considered for exceptional candidates)

To apply, please complete this form.

FAI is an equal-opportunity employer. We review applications for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, uniformed services, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.