Head of Defense Strategy & Military Affairs

JetZero•Washington, DC

13d•$250,000 - $280,000

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Responsibilities

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.