Communications Associate (R5514)
On-site Washington Full-time Junior Communications
Entry-level Communications role at Shield AI. Washington · full-time · $76,000–$110,000 base.
SalaryStated by Shield AI
$76,000 – $110,000
Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.
This role, from Shield AIOur estimate for the market: $55,000–$92,000
Above the market median of $65,000 for entry-level communications roles in Washington.
Worked out from 77 postings that stated pay, median $65,000. Last updated Mar 10, 2026.
Role brief
Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Write and edit press releases, social content, op-eds, and marketing copy
- Support media outreach, executive briefings, speaking events, and message preparation
- Coordinate stakeholders as communications projects move from planning to publication
- Develop audience-specific messaging and thought leadership for defense, technology, and policy
- Support PR firms and other partners while monitoring news, trends, and competitor messaging
What you bring
- Two to four years in defense technology, corporate communications, or public relations
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, national security, political science, or a related field
- Experience coordinating across teams, managing stakeholders, and handling several deadlines
- Strong writing, editing, media relations, executive communications, and messaging skills
- Clear interest in AI, autonomy, and defense technology, plus sound judgment and critical thinking
Who this fits
You'll fit if you have early-career communications experience and can turn technical ideas into clear messages for defense, technology, and policy audiences. The role is onsite in Washington, United States, with cross-team coordination, multiple deadlines, and full project follow-through. Any offer depends on a cleared background and may include a reference check.
From the employer
Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
Full-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment) Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information. ### Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Job Description:
Help shape the story behind cutting-edge technology with real-world impact. In this role, you'll develop compelling communications that elevate our brand, engage key audiences, and support strategic initiatives across media, executive, and corporate channels. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you'll transform complex ideas into clear, impactful messaging that advances our mission.
What you'll do:
- Write and edit copy across formats, including press releases, social posts, op-eds, and marketing materials.
- Support external communications, including media outreach and executive communications.
- Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders to move projects from planning through approval and publication.
- Support executive communications, including media briefings, speaking engagements, and message prep.
- Support relationships with external partners, including PR firms and other companies and organizations.
- Collaborate with internal teams to develop and refine messaging for defense, technology, and policy audiences.
- Research and draft thought leadership content, ensuring consistency in voice and tone.
- Monitor news, industry trends, and competitor communications.
- Provide administrative support for communications and broader marketing team.
Required qualifications:
- 2-4 years of experience in defense technology, corporate communications, or public relations.
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, national security, political science, or related field.
- Experience working across teams and managing stakeholders.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Familiarity with media relations, executive communications, and messaging.
- Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail.
- Interest in AI, autonomy, and defense technology.
- Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
- Demonstrated ownership of projects from start to finish, including follow-through on details and deadlines.
- Strong judgment and critical thinking, including the ability to assess messaging and identify risks or gaps.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience supporting communications for a defense, aerospace, government, or technical organization.
- Understanding of the U.S. defense ecosystem and national security landscape.
- Experience working with PR agencies and external partners.
Full-time regular employee offer package: Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity Temporary employee offer package: Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment) Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information. ### Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.