Overview
A leading aerospace and technology organization is seeking a Vice President, Associate General Counsel to support its next phase of growth. This role will provide expert legal guidance primarily in employment law, supporting transactions and litigation at both business unit and corporate levels. The position also involves generalist legal support across corporate policies, transactions, and governance matters. The ideal candidate will offer sound judgment, strategic counsel, and practical solutions in a fast-paced environment.
This role reports directly to the Executive Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary. It is primarily remote, with a preference for candidates located within commuting distance of the San Luis Obispo or Goleta, California offices.
Responsibilities
- Advise global business units and cross-functional teams on a broad range of employment and corporate legal matters.
- Provide expert legal advice on employment law to support company operations.
- Monitor developments in employment laws and regulations to ensure compliance and mitigate legal risks.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders including senior leadership, HR, and business teams to deliver strategic legal solutions.
- Conduct legal research and draft employment contracts, policies, procedures, and other corporate and transactional documents.
- Manage and resolve employment-related disputes and investigations, including issues related to performance management, discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour claims.
- Oversee external legal counsel as needed to ensure timely and effective legal support.
- Train and educate employees and managers on employment law to promote a compliant and inclusive workplace.
- Lead or participate in special projects such as policy reviews or implementation of new regulations.
- Manage litigation and related matters involving employment issues, government investigations, and other company-affecting litigation.
- Collaborate closely with business partners to ensure appropriate legal support and foster strong working relationships.
Requirements
- Juris Doctor degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active membership in good standing with a state bar.
- Minimum of 16 years of experience in law firm, in-house legal, and/or human resources environments.
- Preferred combination of in-house and law firm experience.
- Expertise in employment law, particularly California law, including discrimination, harassment, and wage and hour regulations.
- Experience working with a wide range of stakeholders from executives and board members to engineers and technicians.
- Ability to travel as needed.
Preferred Skills
- Excellent judgment with the ability to prioritize critical and urgent issues in a fast-paced environment.
- Creative problem-solving skills balancing legal risks with business interests.
- High ethical standards and discretion.
- Self-starter with strong project management skills and a continuous improvement mindset.
- Exceptional drafting and negotiation skills with strong attention to detail.
- Desire for professional growth and to develop within the role over time.
Compensation & Benefits
The organization offers a highly competitive benefits package. Compensation is determined based on local, national, and industry-specific market data, considering experience, education, specialized skills, internal equity, and budget. Competitive offers are made to allow room for future growth.
Location
Primarily remote with preference for candidates near San Luis Obispo or Goleta, California.
Additional Information
Employment is contingent upon successful background checks and proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Some positions may require U.S. citizenship or the ability to obtain security clearance due to classified program requirements.
To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, candidates must be U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and bases employment decisions on merit, competence, and qualifications without regard to legally protected status.