Senior Emerging Technology & Defense Innovation Analyst

Senior Emerging Technology & Defense Innovation Analyst

Location: Norfolk, Virginia
Work Arrangement: Full-time, on-site
Clearance: ACTIVE SECRET CLEARANCE REQUIRED
Travel: Up to 30 days annually

The Opportunity 
Ironclad Defense Works is seeking a Senior Emerging Technology & Defense Innovation Analyst to support NATO Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia. You will assess emerging and disruptive technologies and help determine how new scientific and technical developments may be applied to current and future military challenges.

The position requires a professional who is a technically grounded defense analyst who can identify credible technology developments, evaluate their operational relevance, and translate complex research into clear recommendations, experimentation opportunities, and practical adoption pathways.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and catalogue emerging and disruptive technologies.
• Analyze scientific and technical developments for military relevance.
• Assess technology opportunities, limitations, risks, and operational implications.
• Connect emerging technologies to capability shortfalls and future operational needs.
• Develop practical examples and recommendations for technology adoption.
• Support technology experimentation in realistic operational environments.
• Contribute to strategic foresight, defense planning, capability development, concept development, and analysis of alternatives.
• Research information from defense laboratories, academic institutions, government organizations, industry, media, and allied nations.
• Develop briefings, reports, assessments, and educational materials.
• Maintain technology knowledge resources and support information exchange among national, academic, and industry stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, physical science, data science, or a closely related technical discipline and at least four years of relevant experience; or at least six years of extensive and progressive relevant experience in lieu of a degree.
• At least two years of experience acquiring, assembling, evaluating, or interpreting research and technology information.
• Experience analyzing future science, technology, or emerging-technology developments.
• Ability to assess how technology may be applied within a military or national-security environment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop technology adoption pathways, operational use cases, or experimentation recommendations.
• Familiarity with science and technology information sources, including research laboratories, academic institutions, defense organizations, government agencies, and industry.
• Strong research, analytical writing, briefing, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and internet-based research tools.
• Active NATO or national Secret clearance.
• Citizenship in a NATO member nation.
• Professional proficiency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Five or more years of technology research, assessment, or innovation-analysis experience.
• Prior NATO, DoD, military, defense-ministry, or allied-government experience.
• Experience in defense innovation, capability development, operational analysis, strategic foresight, experimentation, or concept development.
• Knowledge of one or more emerging technology areas, including artificial intelligence, autonomy, quantum technologies, biotechnology, space, hypersonics, advanced communications, energy, or advanced materials.
• Experience briefing senior military or civilian leaders.
• Master’s degree in a relevant discipline.

Clearance
This position requires an active NATO or National SECRET (or higher) security clearance. Applicants who do not possess the clearance specified above cannot be considered at this time. 

Compensation
Compensation for this position ranges from $100,000 - $135,000 annually. Final salary will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, qualifications, contract requirements, and overall affordability. 

Eligible full-time employees may also receive a comprehensive benefits package, including medical and dental insurance, retirement benefits, paid leave, and professional development opportunities. 

How to Apply
Email your resume to jobs@idw.inc with the subject line: "Senior Emerging Technology and Defense Innovation Analyst - (Your Name) Application" or respond to this job posting via the included web application.

Ironclad Defense Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer.