Legal Counsel, Connected Warfare

Overview

A defense technology organization is seeking a Legal Counsel to join their Connected Warfare Division team in Washington, DC or Costa Mesa, CA. This division focuses on innovative software and hardware solutions that connect robots, humans, and sensors through advanced mesh network technology. The role involves providing legal support across the full spectrum of U.S. government and commercial contracts related to these products.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal oversight and guidance on proposals, procurement, data rights, and contract structures.
• Support business development and legal operations by partnering with customers, outside counsel, and internal teams.
• Manage relationships with government procurement offices and contracting representatives.
• Oversee the entire acquisitions lifecycle including evaluating proposals, monitoring contracts, leading negotiations, resolving performance issues, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Handle a broad range of legal matters including license and services agreements, bid protests, litigation, intellectual property, compliance, and employment issues.
• Represent the legal team in interactions with vendors, engineers, executives, customers, and regulators.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience working on U.S. government contracts, preferably in a law firm or in-house at a government contractor.
• Strong understanding of government procurement processes, contract vehicles and types, software acquisition approaches, and data rights.
• Ability to independently manage multiple projects from start to finish.
• Excellent communication, writing, and interpersonal skills.
• Quick learner capable of contributing to diverse legal topics including IP, litigation, financing, securities, compliance, and employment law.
• Licensed to practice law in California or Washington, DC.
• Must be a U.S. Person due to access requirements for U.S. export-controlled information or facilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pre-law school professional experience.
• Combination of law firm and in-house or government experience.
• Experience working with government agencies.
• Background or interest in engineering, software, or technology.
• Interest in defense acquisition law and policy with ideas for improvement.
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Current active U.S. Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $191,000 to $253,000 USD (base salary only; actual offer may vary based on experience, education, skills, and business needs).
• Highly competitive equity grants included in most full-time offers.
• Comprehensive benefits package with health, recovery, and other support, available at little to no cost to employees.

Location

• Washington, DC or Costa Mesa, California

Additional Information

• Candidates should be aware of recruitment scams impersonating the organization. Legitimate communications will only come from official company email domains or clearly identified recruiting agencies.
• The organization uses a third-party service provider for pre-employment risk, integrity, and due diligence screening.
• Applicants must consent to this screening as part of the application process.

This role offers an opportunity to work on cutting-edge defense technology contracts and contribute to the deployment of advanced systems for the U.S. and allied military capabilities.