Legal Counsel, Maritime

Overview

A defense technology organization is seeking a Legal Counsel specializing in Government Contracts to support its Maritime Division. This role can be based in either Washington D.C. or Costa Mesa, CA. The Legal Counsel will be part of a Deal Team that supports the full lifecycle of contracts, working alongside government contracts lawyers, contract managers, and proposal managers.

The Maritime Division focuses on developing, testing, deploying, and sustaining maritime capabilities in operational environments worldwide. The division aims to deliver advanced systems that ensure maritime superiority and provide strategic advantages critical to mission success.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal review and guidance on proposals, procurement, contracting strategies, and day-to-day program execution for the Maritime Division.
• Utilize expertise in government contracts law, including FAR and DFARS, data rights, and software contracting.
• Collaborate closely with customers, outside counsel, and internal business partners to support business development and legal operations.
• Drive customer growth by executing new government contracts and expanding existing ones.
• Assist Business Development, Proposal, and Engineering teams in capturing new contracts and setting up follow-on opportunities.
• Manage relationships with government procurement office representatives to foster high-trust professional partnerships.
• Oversee and evaluate major proposals, monitor large contracts, lead or assist in key negotiations, resolve performance issues, identify risks and mitigations, and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
• Handle all legal aspects of the business, including negotiating license and services agreements, bid protests, litigation, intellectual property, compliance, and employment matters.
• Develop software contracting approaches for delivering software to the Department of Defense and negotiate agreements with contracting officers and program counsel.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of experience working on U.S. government contracts matters, preferably with a law firm or government entity. More senior candidates may be considered with role adjustments.
• Strong understanding of the government procurement process, including contract vehicles, software acquisition approaches, and data rights.
• Ability to make risk-adjusted decisions and manage multiple projects independently from start to finish.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Quick learner with the ability to contribute to a broad range of legal functions, including IP, litigation, financing, securities, compliance, and employment law.
• Licensed to practice law in California or Washington D.C.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Pre-law school professional experience such as military or government service.
• Combination of law firm and in-house or government experience.
• Experience working with government agencies.
• Background in engineering, software, or other technology sectors.
• Interest in defense acquisitions law and policy, with opinions on improvements in the field.
• Ability to operate independently in a rapidly evolving company environment.
• Currently holds and can maintain an active U.S. Top Secret security clearance.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $191,000 to $253,000 USD (base salary only; actual offer may vary based on experience, education, skills, and business considerations).
• Highly competitive equity grants included in most full-time offers.
• Comprehensive healthcare benefits including medical, dental, and vision plans with little to no cost for employees.
• Life and disability insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off including holiday hiatus in December, caregiver and wellness leave.
• Family planning and parenting support including fertility treatments, adoption, and gestational carrier coverage.
• Access to 24/7 mental health resources, therapy, life coaching, and additional work-life services.
• Annual reimbursement for professional development.
• Company-funded commuter benefits based on region.
• Relocation assistance available depending on role eligibility.
• Retirement savings plans including 401(k) options for U.S. roles.

Location

• Washington D.C. or Costa Mesa, California

Candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the required security clearance for this role.