Executive Editor "Cogs of War," Defense Tech​/Industrial Vertical

War on the Rocks is looking for a detail‑oriented, full‑time executive editor who is committed to the clear communication of important and novel ideas about defense technology and the industrial base.

This is a full‑time role based in Washington, DC. It is not a remote position. We are on a hybrid schedule of three days a week in the War on the Rocks office (T, W, Th) in Washington, DC. We will therefore only consider candidates who live in the Washington metro area or who are willing to relocate there.

A cover letter is required, along with your CV. In your cover letter, please include an amusing story about yourself. If you do not follow these instructions, your application will not be considered. If the job portal you applied through does not allow you to submit a separate cover letter, apply here:

February 16, 2025

Defense technology is the linchpin of national security. America's adversaries are rapidly advancing, leveraging emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cyber tools, and space systems to challenge U.S. power. To respond effectively, the United States requires an approach that fields cutting‑edge technologies across all facets of defense while modernizing legacy systems to remain adaptable to the future fight. War on the Rocks last year launched Cogs of War, a vertical focused on the connective tissue between industry, talent, technology, the Defense Department, and capital.

Its purpose is to reimagine what it means to ensure the superiority of American military power through analysis, engaging content, elevating compelling voices, imagery, and case studies. This role does not involve reporting.

Thus far, Cogs of War has been run by Ryan Evans, the founder of War on the Rocks. The executive editor will take over his responsibilities for Cogs of War. This person will be responsible for overseeing writing, editing, production, design, and distribution with support from colleagues and contractors.

• Identify and engage experts to contribute opinion articles, interviews, and case studies relevant to defense technology and industry
• Host episodes of the vertical's dedicated podcast
• Ensure content alignment with the vertical's tone, style, and objectives
• Review and edit all content for clarity, accuracy, and consistency
• Balance contributions across private sector, academic, and government perspectives
• Manage and work with the Cogs of War assistant editor
• Create and oversee the editorial calendar and production timeline
• Monitor performance, feedback, and survey responses to assess and enhance audience engagement
• Ensure that the vertical continues to live up to the best‑in‑class reputation of War on the Rocks
• Serve as the vertical's spokesperson and evangelizer
• Work closely with key stakeholders, including the vertical's sponsor(s) and partner(s)

This is not a journalism or reporting job.

Metamorphic Media is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

• Eight years of relevant professional experience, not inclusive of internships or graduate education. This is not a junior role.
• Experience working in defense tech/the defense industry or on defense industrial base issues OR relevant media experience (not inclusive of university employment or internships).
• Deep understanding of the defense industry, defense technology, and related issues
• A strong network of relationships across defense tech and the defense industrial base and experts on the same.
• Exceptional and obsessive attention to detail
• Proven track record of delivering against short‑term deadlines
• Exceptional and elegant written English
• Ability to work collegially and flexibly as part of a small team
• Right to work in the United States

• Fully covered medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums
• Competitive salary ($110,000 to $185,000 based on depth of relevant experience and expertise)
• Performance based raise after 6 months
• Annual raises and bonuses