Senior Legal Counsel, Contracts & Compliance

Overview

A global aerospace manufacturing and repair business is seeking a highly motivated Senior Legal Counsel to provide strategic legal support. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this role involves leading and supporting complex commercial contracting, regulatory compliance, risk management, and other business legal advisory matters. The ideal candidate will be a self-directed, proactive, practical, and solutions-oriented attorney who partners effectively with leadership, sales, operations, supply chain, quality, finance, and compliance teams. This position requires confidence in managing complex legal and business issues and the ability to drive matters forward in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice and counsel on commercial, operational, and compliance matters affecting a global aerospace manufacturing business.
• Draft, review, negotiate, and manage a wide range of commercial agreements, including customer contracts, supplier agreements, long-term agreements, nondisclosure agreements, terms and conditions, purchase orders, licensing agreements, service agreements, and other critical business documents.
• Lead contract negotiations with customers, suppliers, and other third parties, balancing legal risk with business objectives.
• Advise business stakeholders on contract interpretation, risk allocation, flow-down requirements, and other contractual obligations.
• Support compliance programs related to aerospace & defense, anti-corruption, government contracting, export controls, sanctions, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
• Partner with internal teams to identify legal and compliance risks and develop practical solutions.
• Provide guidance on policies, procedures, training, and internal controls to support compliance and risk mitigation.
• Assist with investigations, audits, claims, disputes, and other matters as needed.
• Support global business initiatives, including contract lifecycle management, supplier relationships and compliance, operational improvements, and strategic projects.
• Work independently with minimal supervision while keeping stakeholders appropriately informed.
• Take ownership of assigned matters from intake through resolution, demonstrating initiative, accountability, and strong follow-through.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in good standing.
• 5-7 years of experience practicing law in a corporate legal department, law firm, or comparable business environment.
• Strong experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial contracts.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, industrials, or another highly regulated industry.
• Experience with U.S. government contracting, flow-down clauses, export controls, trade compliance, anti-bribery/anti-corruption, or sanctions compliance.
• Experience supporting global operations or cross-border commercial matters.
• Familiarity with manufacturing supply chains, quality requirements, customer terms and conditions, and long-term supply agreements.
• Prior in-house legal experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to synthesize data and information into meaningful insights.
• Experience providing advice on compliance, ethics, regulatory, or risk management matters.
• Ability to work independently and provide clear, practical legal advice.
• Strong business judgment and ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Very detail-oriented with strong project and operation management skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with business leaders and cross-functional teams.

Education

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to practice law in good standing.

Additional Information

This position may include access to controlled information or technology subject to U.S. export control laws. Applicants who do not meet the definition of a “U.S. Person” (including U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and those granted U.S. asylum or refugee status) may require an export control license. Any offer of employment is contingent on verification of appropriate documentation and the organization's determination regarding the feasibility of obtaining such a license. Export license applications may take several weeks to process.

Location

Not specified.