Director Defense Contracts, Legal Counsel

Coherent Corp.; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Coherent Corp. is seeking a senior legal professional to serve as primary counsel for U.S. government contracting matters, including FAR/DFARS compliance and CMMC readiness. The role supports DoD programs, contract formation, and risk assessments across proposals and negotiations.

The candidate will draft and negotiate prime and subcontracts, work with engineering, IT, and supply chain teams, and liaise with DoD and other agencies. A JD and 12+ years in defense contracting are preferred.

Qualifications

• BA/BS in business or related field; JD required.
• 12+ years of legal experience.
• Experience in FAR/DFARS and defense contracting.
• Experience in a public company in the defense or related sector preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary legal counsel on U.S. government contracting matters, including compliance with FAR, DFARS, and related agency supplements.
• Advise on DoD and federal agency contracts, including contract formation, administration, and compliance obligations.
• Provide legal guidance on CMMC requirements and cybersecurity compliance obligations tied to government contracts.
• Support proposal development, contract negotiations, and risk assessments for government programs.
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including prime contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and NDAs.
• Partner with engineering, IT, supply chain, and program management teams to ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.
• Advise on flow-down requirements and support subcontractor compliance strategies.
• Liaise with U.S. government agencies, including DoD and Department of State, on contractual and regulatory matters.
• Support internal audits, investigations, and compliance reviews related to government contracts.
• Provide training to internal teams on FAR/DFARS requirements, CMMC readiness, and evolving regulatory expectations.
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes and assess impact to the business.
• Provide training on CMMC to key stakeholders.

Skills

FAR/DFARS

CMMC

DoD contracts

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiations

Governance liaison

Education

Juris Doctorate

BA/BS in business or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

• Serve as primary legal counsel on U.S. government contracting matters, including compliance with FAR, DFARS, and related agency supplements
• Advise on DoD and federal agency contracts, including contract formation, administration, and compliance obligations
• Provide legal guidance on CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) requirements and broader cybersecurity compliance obligations tied to government contracts
• Support proposal development, contract negotiations, and risk assessments for government programs
• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including prime contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and NDAs
• Partner with engineering, IT, supply chain, and program management teams to ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements
• Advise on flow-down requirements and support subcontractor compliance strategies
• Liaise with U.S. government agencies, including DoD and Department of State, on contractual and regulatory matters
• Support internal audits, investigations, and compliance reviews related to government contracts
• Provide training to internal teams on FAR/DFARS requirements, CMMC readiness, and evolving regulatory expectations
• Monitor and interpret regulatory changes and assess impact to the business
• Provide training on CMMC to key stakeholders

Education & Experience

• BA or BS in business or related field preferred; experience in FARs, DFARs, defense contracting, CMMC.
• Juris Doctorate
• 12+ years legal experience
• Experience working in a public company in the defense or related sector preferred .

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of international trade regulations including FARs, DFARs, defense contracting, CMMC FARs, DFARs, defense contracting, CMMC, etc.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written
• Individual must possess strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills and maintain flexibility in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Customer service oriented with both internal and external customers
• Individual must be proficient with Microsoft Office products & a PC based environment
• Interact and communicate effectively with others and manage multiple tasks simultaneously

Working Conditions

• Working conditions typical of a climate controlled and professional office environment.
• This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Requirements

• Onsite / Hybrid work
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at [e-mail] .

About Us

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!