Counsel, Advanced Research Center

Overview

An Advanced Research Center (ARC) within a leading energy research organization is seeking a Counsel to join their legal team. The ARC focuses on innovation at the intersection of research, strategy, partnerships, and engineering to support energy transition technologies. This role involves providing comprehensive legal support across government contracts, commercial transactions, compliance, and corporate matters.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to ARC leadership and team members on diverse legal and compliance issues.
• Provide day-to-day legal support on U.S. government contracts and financial assistance agreements, including FAR-based contracts, subcontracts, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), other transaction agreements, and teaming or joint venture agreements.
• Advise on commercial transactions such as research collaborations, licensing arrangements, vendor contracts, and service agreements.
• Manage and support resolution of disputes, claims, and contested matters, coordinating with outside counsel as needed.
• Interpret complex laws and regulations and provide practical guidance to ensure compliance in areas including government contracting, privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, export controls, and general corporate matters.
• Collaborate with other legal and functional teams such as Labor & Employment, Business Development, and Finance.
• Draft or assist in drafting legal, business, or commercial communications for internal stakeholders and third parties, including government agencies.
• Conduct presentations on legal matters to senior leadership and provide training to business or legal personnel.
• Support budget management and oversight of outside counsel within the area of responsibility.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of legal experience, preferably in transactional law, research, technology, energy, or defense-related environments.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with a U.S. state bar.
• Broad generalist legal skill set with ability to advise across commercial transactions, disputes, regulatory compliance, and corporate matters.
• U.S. citizenship required to support U.S. Government Contracts and Financial Assistance Agreements.
• Currently holds or is able to obtain a TS/SCI security clearance.
• Position may be performed remotely or in-person at offices located in Niskayuna, NY; Washington D.C.; or Cambridge, MA.

Preferred Qualifications

• Outstanding communication skills, including writing and presentation.
• Significant experience with U.S. government contracts.
• Proven ability to act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Experience working in complex, fast-moving environments and providing fact-based recommendations to senior management.
• Expertise in drafting, negotiating, and advising on FAR-based contracts, cooperative agreements, and other government contracting instruments.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with sound independent judgment on complex legal matters.
• Experience managing disputes, investigations, or contested matters in corporate or government contracting contexts.
• Prior experience supporting classified programs or working in secure, compartmentalized environments.
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises appropriate discretion.
• Demonstrates ethical conduct and integrity aligned with organizational goals.
• Ability to build positive relationships, lead through influence, build consensus, and prioritize action and results.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $150,100 to $250,000 annually, with geographic differentials of 110%, 120%, or 130% in certain areas.
• Discretionary annual bonus eligibility.
• Benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Access to 24/7 nurse-based health coaching and Employee Assistance Program.
• Retirement benefits include a 401(k) savings plan with company matching and retirement contributions.
• Additional benefits: tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability benefits, life insurance, 12 paid holidays, and permissive time off.

Location

Remote or in-person at Niskayuna, NY; Washington D.C.; or Cambridge, MA.

Additional Information

• Employment contingent upon successful completion of a drug screen (as applicable).
• Only candidates legally authorized to work in the United States will be considered.
• Equal opportunity employer committed to non-discriminatory hiring practices.