Sr. Principal Writer - Defense & Strategic Communications

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

We are seeking a Senior Writer, Defense Policy & Strategic Communications to help shape compelling narratives around national security, defense priorities, and emerging technologies.  

This individual will translate complex defense policy and strategic priorities into clear persuasive communications for a range of audiences, including government stakeholders, industry leaders, and executive leadership. 

The ideal candidate combines strong writing ability with deep understanding of the Washington policy environment, particularly as it relates to the defense industrial base.  

This is a mid to senior individual contributor role requiring initiative individual curiosity and the ability to work closely with SMEs, executives and communications teams.  

This position is located in Falls Church, VA (Headquarters). This is not a remote position. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Support high-visibility engagements including conferences, public forums and industry events 

• Write articles, op-eds, long form content addressing defense strategy innovation and industrial base issues 

• Develop content for publication in policy, industry and national security media outlets 

• Monitory defense policy developments including congressional priorities, DoW initiatives and budget trends 

• Work with SMEs to translate policy developments into strategic messaging 

• Support integrated comms campaigns around major announcements, initiatives and program milestones 

• Contribute to narrative development for digital, video, and social storytelling 

Core skills:

• Exceptional writing and editing ability 

• Fluency in using AI tools  

• Ability to synthesize complex policy and/or technical information into succinct messages 

• Strong understanding of the national security landscape or acquisition environment 

• Experience developing narrative frameworks and strategic messaging 

• Comfort with working with senior leaders and subject matter experts 

Basic Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree and 8+ years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience OR Associate’s degree and 10+ years of relevant experience OR High School Diploma and 12+ years of relevant experience

• Professional writing experience required 

• Demonstrated experience writing about national security, defense policy, or emerging technologies 

• Experience producing exec-level comms 

• Familiarity with Washington policy ecosystem 

• Ability to obtain and maintain secret level clearance as a condition of continued employment 

Preferred Qualifications: 

Preferred candidates with a background in: 

• Defense journalism 

• Think tank writing or research 

• Congressional communications staff 

• DoW public affairs 

• Strategic comms or public affairs agencies 

• DIB communications

Primary Level Salary Range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.