Associate Counsel - Aerospace & Defense & Regulatory

Smith; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Performance incentives

Comprehensive benefits

Collaborative global environment

Job summary

<p>Smith is seeking a Corporate Attorney in Houston, Texas, to advise on government contracts and defense-related sales. This role requires a J.D. and significant experience in aerospace and defense contracting.</p><p>The successful candidate will manage compliance strategy and lead negotiations, partnering cross-functionally to support growth while mitigating risks. Join us at Smith for a competitive compensation package and a collaborative environment.</p>

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in government contracts, aerospace & defense, or export controls.
• Strong working knowledge of ITAR, DPAS, FAR, DFARS, and U.S. export regulations.
• Eligible for licensure as in‑house counsel in Texas.

Responsibilities

• Advise on FAR/DFARS compliance, subcontracting, and sales strategy.
• Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex government and commercial agreements.
• Identify and proactively mitigate legal and compliance risks impacting business operations.
• Deliver training and thought leadership on regulatory requirements to internal stakeholders.

Skills

FAR/DFARS compliance

Government contracting

ITAR and export controls

Negotiation skills

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Smith is the leading independent distributor of electronic components globally, supporting mission‑critical supply chains across aerospace, defense, and advanced technology industries.

As a trusted partner to government and defense organizations, we operate at the intersection of global commerce, regulatory complexity, and national security. We are seeking a Corporate Attorney with deep experience in aerospace and defense contracting to play a high-impact role advising leadership, shaping compliance strategy, and supporting complex global transactions.

This role serves as a key legal advisor on government contracting, defense‑related sales/procurement and export controls. You will partner cross‑functionally with business, compliance, and supply chain teams to enable growth while managing regulatory risk in a dynamic, global environment.

Responsibilities

As a Defense Logistics Agency qualified supplier among more than a dozen other certifications and accreditations, you will be contributing to the team that ensures we exceed industry standards and customer expectations.

You will serve as a strategic legal partner on government and defense contracting matters.

• Advise on FAR/DFARS compliance, subcontracting, and sales strategy
• Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex government and commercial agreements
• Interpret and provide guidance on ITAR, export controls, rated orders and DoD regulations
• Identify and proactively mitigate legal and compliance risks impacting business operations
• Develop and enhance scalable compliance frameworks and policies
• Partner with leadership to support growth initiatives within aerospace and defense sectors

• Working with the Sales organization you will draft, review and negotiate purchasing, sales and other government and commercial agreements, with focus on military and defense related procurements

• Deliver training and thought leadership on regulatory requirements to internal stakeholders

• Conduct legal research on regulatory requirements, government contracts and subcontracts
• Develop and implement risk mitigation and compliance framework for the military and defense group

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership. Eligible for licensure as in‑house counsel in Texas
• 7+ years of relevant experience in government contracts, aerospace & defense, or export controls
• Strong working knowledge of ITAR, DPAS, FAR, DFARS, and U.S. export regulations
• Experience advising business stakeholders in a fast‑paced, commercial environment preferred
• Proven ability to balance legal risk with business objectives
• Ability to interact with multiple levels in an organization and in multiple jurisdictions
• Ability to work effectively with global legal and compliance teams, with an international mind‑set

Why Join Smith?

• Work at the forefront of aerospace, defense, and advanced technology supply chains
• High visibility role with opportunity to influence business strategy and compliance programs
• Collaborative, global environment with cross‑functional exposure
• Competitive compensation, performance incentives, and comprehensive benefits
• A culture that values innovation, accountability, and continuous growth

Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.