Lead Defense Contract Counsel – Supply Chain

Mercury Systems; Franklin (NJ); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercury Systems is seeking a Senior Corporate Counsel to serve as the lead Supply Chain Attorney for our defense contracting business. You will advise senior officials, draft and negotiate supplier and customer agreements, and shape policy across the Supply Chain and Legal teams.

The role emphasizes independence, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. An active DoD secret clearance or ability to obtain one is required; US citizenship is mandatory.

Qualifications

• JD degree from an accredited law school and admitted to practice law in at least one US State.
• Typically requires 8+ years' experience as an attorney; 5+ years' experience in government contracts with a focus on supply chain.
• Deep understanding and experience with the FAR, DFARS, and other defense-related government contracting laws and practices.
• Extensive experience drafting and negotiating defense-related government contract terms, including cost-based, fixed-priced, development, and production contracts and subcontracts.
• Extensive experience with contract changes and REA's and disputes and litigation of such contracts.
• Drafting and negotiating all types of commercial-based contracts and agreements.
• Drafting and negotiating data rights and IP licensing agreements.
• Conducting due diligence as part of M&A activities.
• Proven ability to establish processes and SOPs from scratch.
• Ability to travel up to 20% as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal support and advice to senior business officials, contracts professionals, and supply chain personnel on procurement and IP issues.
• Provide legal review and guidance on procurement, logistics, subcontractor and supplier management, and contract negotiations for government and non-government contracts.
• Direct other attorneys and non-attorneys when appropriate.
• Draft and negotiate terms with customers and suppliers.
• Maintain and revise standard template purchasing, IP and supplier-related agreements.
• Structure, draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of contracts including purchase, service, supplier, consultant, and real property leases.
• Advise on legal risks and business terms of supply chain arrangements.
• Establish frameworks, SOPs, and process improvements to streamline reviews.
• Ensure compliance with laws and regulations pertaining to supply chain management.
• Engage with trade compliance to ensure compliance with customs, export controls, sanctions, and trade laws.
• Support resolution of disputes or litigation related to supply chain issues.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to develop supply chain strategies and policies.
• Partner with and train supply chain personnel on terms and negotiation.
• Provide contract due diligence for M&A activities.
• Travel up to 20% as needed.

Skills

Supply chain contracts

FAR/DFARS expertise

Contract negotiation

M&A due diligence

Team leadership

Education

J.D. degree

Job description

Mercury Systems is seeking a Senior Corporate Counsel to serve as the lead Supply Chain Attorney for our defense contracting business. You will advise senior officials, draft and negotiate supplier and customer agreements, and shape policy across the Supply Chain and Legal teams.

The role emphasizes independence, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration. An active DoD secret clearance or ability to obtain one is required; US citizenship is mandatory.