China Subject Matter Expert (SME) – NATO Allied Command Transformation

NORFOLK, VA
Full Time
Senior Executive
Location: Norfolk, VA 
Position Type: Contract, Full-time
Clearance Requirement: Secret 
Language Requirement: English required; Mandarin proficiency preferred

About the Role
Ironclad Defense Works is seeking an experienced China Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT). This role involves providing strategic analysis, policy recommendations, and intelligence insights on China’s military developments, foreign policy, and geopolitical strategies that impact NATO’s long-term planning and security posture.

The selected candidate will work closely with NATO leadership to develop actionable assessments of China’s defense capabilities, force posture, and influence operations, ensuring NATO is prepared for evolving security challenges in the Indo-Pacific and beyond. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in Chinese military doctrine, strategic deterrence, regional security affairs, and global power projection.

Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct comprehensive assessments of China’s military capabilities, defense strategy, hybrid warfare tactics, and technological advancements.
  • Provide threat analysis and intelligence-driven insights on China’s regional and global strategic objectives.
  • Evaluate China’s growing defense partnerships, economic influence, and diplomatic engagements with NATO member states and global adversaries.
  • Develop reports, white papers, and intelligence briefings for NATO decision-makers and strategic planners.
  • Contribute to NATO’s defense policy formulation, strategic deterrence efforts, and regional security initiatives concerning China.
  • Support wargaming exercises, force posture modeling, and scenario planning related to China’s military expansion and influence.
  • Work closely with NATO’s intelligence analysts, strategic planners, and operational leaders to inform decision-making.
  • Participate in high-level NATO security forums, strategy workshops, and policy discussions focused on Indo-Pacific security.
  • Engage with academic institutions, think tanks, and allied defense agencies to exchange research and policy insights.
Required Qualifications & Skills
  • Master’s degree in International Relations, Security Studies, Political Science, Asian Studies, or a related field.
  • Minimum 7 years of experience in China-focused strategic analysis, military intelligence, or defense policy research.
  • Expertise in Chinese military doctrine, force modernization, regional security, and geopolitical strategy.
  • Experience working with NATO, U.S. DoD, INDOPACOM, or intelligence agencies on China-related security threats.
  • Strong research, writing, and analytical skills, with a demonstrated ability to produce high-level policy briefs, intelligence assessments, and strategic reports.
  • Ability to present findings to senior leadership in NATO and allied defense organizations.
  • Active Secret clearance 
Preferred Qualifications
  • Fluency in Mandarin Chinese (highly desirable for intelligence and policy analysis).
  • Prior experience working with NATO HQ, SHAPE, ACT, or strategic defense organizations.
  • Familiarity with wargaming, scenario planning, and force structure analysis methodologies.
  • Published research or policy contributions related to China’s military strategy, economic influence, or cyber operations.
Why Join Ironclad Defense Works?
This role offers the opportunity to play a critical part in NATO’s strategic engagement with China, shaping defense policy at the highest levels. As a key advisor, you will collaborate with leading defense analysts, intelligence professionals, and military planners to develop actionable insights that impact NATO’s security posture. 

Ironclad Defense Works is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds who meet the security and qualification requirements.
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