Strategy roles in European defence cover market entry planning, government relations, partnerships and capability roadmapping for companies selling into military and public-sector customers. The mix of employers ranges from defence tech startups like Faculty and Cailabs to major primes and consultancies with dedicated defence practices. Think tanks like IISS and RUSI recruit strategists for capability planning and procurement analysis, while institutional bodies like the European Defence Agency hire for similar functions within the EU framework.
Backgrounds that fit these roles vary widely. Former military officers, management consultants, policy advisors and government relations professionals all appear in strategy teams across the sector. Technical fluency matters more than a formal engineering credential. The ability to understand what a product does, how procurement works in a given country and where a capability gap sits is typically more valuable than technical qualifications. At startups like Intelic or Isar Aerospace, strategy roles often blur into business development and require hands-on involvement in bids, partnerships and go-to-market execution rather than pure advisory work.
Many strategy positions at startups and dual-use companies do not require security clearance, particularly those focused on commercial growth or international expansion. Roles involving direct government advisory, NATO capability planning or classified procurement generally do require national-level clearance. The employer typically initiates the process, and candidates are not expected to hold clearance before applying. International startups and consultancies generally operate in English, while roles involving direct ministry engagement or national procurement processes typically require the local language.
