Meet Natalja Lernere
Behind every technological breakthrough and evolution in product capabilities is someone who is passionate about the impact this technology can have on the defense and national security landscape. The people shaping the technology matter just as much as the systems themselves, and for Natalja Lernere, Business Development Manager at Edge Autonomy’s Riga office, it’s the culture of collaboration and shared purpose that makes her role both meaningful and impactful.
“I often serve as a bridge between technical teams and customer needs—translating complex ideas, asking the right questions, and ensuring everyone is heard,” Natalja says “Not only do we share a strong sense of purpose, but we are all truly passionate about the value our uncrewed aircraft and reconnaissance solutions bring to mission operations around the world.”
Breaking Barriers in UAV Defense Leadership
As a woman in the defense industry, Natalja is helping to redefine what leadership looks like in a traditionally male-dominated space. Her approach is grounded in curiosity, empathy, and a deep respect for diverse perspectives.
“Collaboration isn’t just about working together—it’s about building trust, listening actively, and aligning around a common vision,” Natalja explains. “This often happens in small, meaningful ways—whether it’s a quick sync with a colleague or a shared win with a customer. What truly drives our progress is the mutual support and high standards we hold each other to. This culture of accountability and excellence not only helps us grow individually, but also enables us to respond quickly and effectively to evolving mission requirements”
This mindset has helped Natalja thrive in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. Whether she’s engaging with colleagues or international clients, she brings a calm confidence and a solutions-oriented approach to every conversation.
Staying Agile in an Evolving Landscape
“In addition to my role as a Business Development Manager, I am also certified as an operator and technician for our systems. This firsthand experience allows me to understand the practical challenges and opportunities our customers face, ensuring that our solutions are both effective and user-friendly.”
The defense industry is constantly evolving, and so are the expectations of our customers and partners. Navigating this landscape requires us to stay agile and ambitious—embracing the flexibility and drive of a startup—while also upholding the structure, standards, and credibility of a well-established, globally recognized manufacturer. Striking this balance isn’t always easy, but it’s exactly what makes this moment so dynamic and full of opportunity.
The Edge Autonomy office in Riga is growing to meet this evolving landscape – we just cut the ribbon on a new production, research, and development facility that almost doubles our footprint in Latvia. This is an open, collaborative environment for our ambitious team, and we continue to see success with our UAV and optical gimbal platforms across the European Union.
Don’t Wait for Permission to Lead
When asked what advice she’d give to others—especially women—considering a career in the defense sector, Natalja is clear:
“Be bold. Be curious. And don’t wait for permission to lead. This industry needs fresh ideas and diverse voices. If you bring passion and purpose, you’ll find your place.”
At Edge Autonomy, that passion is contagious. When professionals unite behind a meaningful mission, the results can be extraordinary.