Chief Counsel - Defense Tech & Export Compliance

Counselwell Inc.; El Segundo, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 190,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary 190k-250k USD annual

Significant stock options

401(k) with employer matching

Full health coverage

Relocation assistance

Unlimited PTO

Paid parental leave

Lunch provided in-office

EV charging at HQ

Office in El Segundo, CA

Job summary

Picogrid, a defense technology company, seeks a General Counsel to lead all legal and compliance as it scales globally. You will be the first dedicated legal hire, reporting to a co-founder and shaping governance, government contracts, export controls, fundraising, and compliance.

You will guide ITAR/EAR compliance, BD and program teams, and manage outside counsel while navigating complex regulatory environments to enable rapid growth.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. state.
• 8+ years of legal experience in defense tech, aerospace, or government contracting.
• Hands-on ITAR/EAR experience with compliance program management.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the company's primary legal advisor across government contracts, commercial agreements, governance, employment, IP, and regulatory compliance.
• Own Picogrid's export compliance program, including ITAR and EAR, ensuring regulatory readiness.
• Assist government contracts across procurement lifecycle with FAR/DFARS, OTAs, and SBIRs.
• Partner with GTM and program teams on proposal strategy, contract structuring, and negotiations.
• Support fundraising and strategic transactions with leadership.
• Manage outside counsel relationships, scoping work and controlling costs.
• Monitor regulatory developments including ITAR/EAR, NDAA, and acquisition reform.
• Advise on employment matters and sensitive HR situations.

Skills

In-house experience

Defense technology

Contract governance

ITAR/EAR compliance

SBIRs & OTAs

NDAA knowledge

M&A diligence

Education

J.D. from an accredited law school

Job description

Picogrid, a defense technology company, seeks a General Counsel to lead all legal and compliance as it scales globally. You will be the first dedicated legal hire, reporting to a co-founder and shaping governance, government contracts, export controls, fundraising, and compliance.

You will guide ITAR/EAR compliance, BD and program teams, and manage outside counsel while navigating complex regulatory environments to enable rapid growth.