Head of Defense Strategy & Military Affairs
$250k - $280k USD
What is JetZero?
Today’s aircraft contribute around 4% of global CO2 emissions, equivalent to the emissions of 200 million cars. This is only going to increase: Air travel is forecasted to double by 2050, while meaningful efficiency gains using current airplanes have hit a wall.
JetZero is developing a blended-wing body (BWB) aircraft. It uses up to 50% less fuel and will be built to accommodate zero-emission hydrogen propulsion. JetZero is the inevitable solution to sustainable air travel.
The JetZero team
We are experienced aerospace professionals and engineers, excited about the future. That future will only be possible if we share our vision and what it means to people’s lives: carbon-free flight that' is better for both passengers and airlines around the world.
JetZero is developing the next generation of aviation platforms built around a Blended Wing Body (BWB) design that offers transformational advantages in range, fuel efficiency, payload capacity, and survivability. Our defense platforms address critical gaps in contested logistics, strategic mobility, aerial refueling, and force projection, representing a generational leap for the U.S. military and allied partners.
The Opportunity
JetZero is seeking a Head of Defense Strategy & Military Affairs to serve as the company's senior military advocate within the defense community. Reporting to the SVP of Government Affairs, this role will be shaping how the U.S. Air Force, Joint Staff, OSD, Combatant Commands, MAJCOMs, allied militaries, and key defense partners understand and prioritize JetZero's platforms as mission-critical capabilities.
This is a high-visibility, high-impact role for a senior military officer or defense professional who understands the acquisition landscape, speaks the language of operational commanders, and can credibly represent JetZero at the most senior levels of the defense establishment.
What You'll Do:
- Lead senior-level engagements across the Department of Defense, Combatant Commands, international partners, and strategic industry partners and positioning JetZero's platforms as directly relevant to real-world mission requirements.
- Continuously identify and mitigate operational, acquisition, budgetary, and political risks to JetZero's defense business; align company offerings with current demand signals and future force design priorities.
- Advise engineering and product teams on mission-driven requirements and design tradeoffs, translating operator needs into actionable technical guidance.
- Work closely with Government Affairs to maintain message discipline, strategic alignment, and consistent stakeholder engagement across all DoD channels.
- Represent JetZero in classified environments
- Lead the Defense Advisory Board, ensuring it delivers focused, mission-relevant outcomes that strengthen JetZero's strategic positioning.
- Support investor and board engagement by providing credible military context that reinforces JetZero's defense value proposition and long-term growth strategy.
- Provide leadership with clear, timely insight into stakeholder motivations, program timelines, and decision drivers across the DoD enterprise.
What You Bring:
- Senior military officer (O-6 or above strongly preferred) with deep experience in mobility, logistics, refueling, or force projection missions; or equivalent senior civilian/contractor experience in defense acquisition and strategy.
- Demonstrated ability to engage credibly at the flag/general officer level and with senior civilian leadership across OSD, the Services, and COCOMs.
- Strong understanding of the DoD acquisition process, PPBE cycle, and how programs move from concept to program of record.
- Active Secret security clearance required; TS/SCI preferred.
- Track record of operating effectively in ambiguous, fast-moving environments.
- Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate complex technical and strategic concepts for diverse audiences, including investors and corporate leadership.
What JetZero Offers
- A rare opportunity to shape the future of military aviation at a pivotal moment in U.S. defense modernization.
- A senior role with direct access to executive leadership and meaningful influence over company strategy.
- Competitive compensation including equity participation.
- A mission-driven team committed to solving some of the hardest problems in aerospace and national security.
Compensation:
Our compensation package is a blend of base salary and equity options for eligible employees. The range for this role is $250,000 - $280,000. We consider a number of factors when presenting a final offer, including geography, internal equity and years of experience and expertise.
Benefits
- Unlimited PTO
- 10 paid holidays
- 401(k)
- Medical, Dental, Life insurance
- Disability Insurance
- Equity tax advisory services
- Supportive work culture
The Interview Process
We want our interview process to be a true reflection of our culture: transparent and collaborative. Throughout the interview process, your recruiter will guide you through the next steps and ensure you feel prepared every step of the way.
- Our First Chat: During this first conversation, you’ll meet with a recruiter or hiring team member to chat through your background, what you could bring to our team, what you are looking for in your next role, and who we are.
- The Hiring Manager Interview: You will meet with your potential future boss to really dive into the role, the team, expectations, and what success means at JetZero. This is your chance to really nerd out with someone in your field.
- The Panel: Learn more about the team, responsibilities, and workflows. You should be prepared to speak about past projects, how you collaborate and communicate with others, and how you live our values. Depending on the team and role you are interviewing for, you may meet with several teammates as well as cross-functional partners.
- The Executive Review: A chance to meet an executive and view JetZero from a different lens. Be prepared to ask well-thought-out questions about the company, culture, and more.
Depeneding on the position you are interviewing for, there may also be a Take Home Exercise as part of the interview proccess. Our assessments seek to test the hard skills required to do the job. Your recruiter will inform you of which assessment you will be assigned and ensure you are fully prepared for your big day.
JetZero does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered.
At JetZero, we value diversity and are an equal opportunity employer by choice. We consider all qualified applicants equally for employment & do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, protected veteran status, religion, physical or mental disability, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws, ordinance, or regulation.