Public Relations Manager
About the job
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field
- 5+ years proven track record in public relations or communications, preferably in the defense, maritime, aerospace, or national security sectors
- Successfully managed media relations and crafted messaging for complex, technical, or classified subject matter
- Strong understanding of DoD, federal contracting, and defense industry communications sensitivities
- Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance
- U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent resident status, protected individual as defined by 8 USC 1324b(a)(3), or eligibility to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State; current United States National Security clearance or eligibility may be required
- Strategic Communications: Develop and implement integrated PR strategies aligned with corporate goals, government relations priorities, and program milestones
- Media Relations: Build and maintain relationships with defense, technology, and trade journalists; coordinate media outreach, briefings, and press engagements
- Content Development: Oversee the creation of press releases, media kits, executive speeches, op-eds, and thought leadership content that accurately reflect company achievements and values
- Crisis Communications: Support incident response and reputation management efforts, ensuring timely, compliant, and coordinated communication
- Brand Management: Uphold consistent corporate messaging across internal and external channels, including events, website, and social media (where appropriate)
- Executive Support: Prepare executives for interviews, panels, and public appearances; provide talking points, Q&As, and media coaching
- Internal Collaboration: Partner with Business Development, Program Management, Legal, and Government Affairs teams to ensure communications are accurate, compliant, and strategically aligned
- Metrics & Reporting: Track and analyze PR performance, media coverage, and sentiment to refine communication strategies and demonstrate measurable impact
- Master’s degree preferred
- Experience managing communications agencies or vendors is a plus
- Strong leadership, communication, and project management skills, with the ability to work independently
About the company
Magnet Defense builds AI-powered unmanned surface vessels for national security missions, including fleet operations, missile defense, and maritime intelligence. Its first platform, the M48, uses edge processing, multi-sensor fusion, and onboard machine learning to recognize threats and pair automated payloads, while an operator remains in the loop. The vessels carry modular, containerized mission payloads for rapid reconfiguration and can operate autonomously in high-risk areas to perform surveillance, electronic warfare, logistics, or anti-submarine tasks. The company differentiates itself by vertically integrating production through the Metal Shark acquisition to enable large-scale manufacturing and fast mission changes, aiming to supply the U.S. and allies with scalable autonomous maritime power and to support programs like the U.S. Golden Fleet.
Company Size
1-10
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Miami, Florida
Founded
2025
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- Production began March 26, 2026, converting Magnet Defense from prototype to delivery mode.
- The April 21, 2026 Hanwha partnership expands access to U.S. defense programs.
- Metal Shark's Navy and Coast Guard pedigree lowers customer adoption friction.
What critics are saying
- DoD certification delays at Metal Shark block M48 scaling and revenue growth.
- The M48 first delivery slips to Q2 2027, extending execution risk.
- If live-fire autonomy fails again, Magnet Defense loses credibility and procurement momentum.
What makes Magnet Defense unique
- Metal Shark gives Magnet Defense 125,000 square feet and 40 acres of shipbuilding capacity.
- The M48 logged 40,000 nautical miles and 1,000 sea days before production.
- ATG adds open-architecture AI and battlespace integration for multi-domain autonomy.
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Company News
Magnet Defense has begun production of its first M48 autonomous maritime platform, with delivery scheduled for the second quarter of 2027. The unmanned surface vessel is built on the same systems as the company's Magnet Research Vessel, which has logged over 1,000 days at sea and 40,000 nautical miles since 2020. The M48 supports multiple mission sets including integrated air and missile defence, contested logistics, anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, and search and rescue. Each vessel will feature Magnet Defense's proprietary DriveAI navigational autonomy suite. "The M48 is not a conceptual system. It is a proven capability that has operated in the real world," said CEO Marc Bell. The platform aims to extend joint force capabilities without increasing manpower or logistics requirements.
Magnet Defense, a developer of autonomous maritime platforms for national security, has completed its acquisition of Metal Shark, a designer and shipbuilder of defence and law enforcement vessels. The deal combines Magnet Defense's autonomous technology with Metal Shark's shipbuilding capabilities to supply AI-enabled unmanned surface vessels to US and allied militaries. The acquisition positions the combined company to support the US Golden Fleet initiative. Metal Shark's shipyards will serve as production hubs for delivering autonomous maritime platforms for fleet operations and missile defence missions. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.