Senior Counsel, Head of Government Contracts

Impulse Space; Redondo Beach (CA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Impulse Space in Redondo Beach is seeking a Senior Associate, Government Contracts to be the legal advisor on U.S. government contracts. This position involves providing strategic legal counsel, negotiating agreements, and ensuring compliance in a highly regulated market.

The ideal candidate will have a J.D. and over 10 years of experience in government contracts law. The role offers a competitive salary and benefits, including medical coverage and retirement plans.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active U.S. bar membership.
• 10+ years of government contracts law experience, in a law firm and/or in‑house.
• Comprehensive knowledge of FAR/DFARS and foundational government contracting principles.

Responsibilities

• Serve as legal advisor on U.S. government contracts and subcontracts.
• Advise on FAR, DFARS, and related agency regulations.
• Partner with teams on government-related pursuits and contract negotiations.

Job description

Compensation

$225,000 - $260,000 / year

Department

Legal

Location

Redondo Beach

Description

As Senior Associate, Government Contracts, you will serve as our in‑house subject‑matter expert on government contracting, providing strategic legal counsel across the full lifecycle of U.S. government and defense programs. This is a senior, high‑impact role for a seasoned government contracts attorney who thrives with autonomy — advising executives, negotiating complex agreements, managing compliance obligations, and helping a fast‑moving commercial space company operate effectively in a highly regulated market. You will play a central role in shaping how Impulse engages with government customers and defense prime contractors, balancing risk management with the speed of execution our business demands.

NOTE: This position is on‑site (either Redondo Beach or Washington DC).

Responsibilities

• Serve as legal advisor on U.S. government contracts and subcontracts, including prime and subcontractor relationships
• Advise on FAR, DFARS, and related agency regulations, including clause applicability and flow‑down requirements
• Partner with Business Development, Program Management, Finance, and Operations on government‑related pursuits, contract negotiations, execution, and long‑term compliance
• Review, negotiate, and support: government contracts and task orders; subcontracts with defense primes and government suppliers; teaming agreements, CRADAs, and other collaboration agreements
• Provide guidance on compliance topics including cost accounting, audits, data rights, cybersecurity obligations, and procurement integrity
• Support internal stakeholders on contract performance issues, modifications, claims, disputes, and terminations
• Develop scalable processes, templates, and training related to government contracting compliance
• Collaborate with Business Development, Legal and Compliance teams to ensure systems support regulatory requirements
• Retain and manage outside counsel and consultants (and associated budgets) as needed for specialized government contracting matters

Minimum Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active U.S. bar membership
• 10+ years of government contracts law experience, in a law firm and/or in‑house
• Comprehensive knowledge of FAR/DFARS and foundational government contracting principles
• Sound business judgment and the ability to draft contract language, provide practical risk‑based guidance, and navigate novel legal questions with clarity
• Strong communicator with the presence and confidence to engage senior leadership and external counterparts
• Comfortable operating in fast‑paced, high‑growth environments where priorities shift and self‑direction is essential

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Previous working experience at a law firm
• 5+ years of demonstrated law experience supporting defense, aerospace, or national security programs
• Familiarity advising across both the prime contract and subcontract levels
• Demonstrated background with commercial space, launch vehicles, or in‑space transportation

Additional Information

Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on job‑related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full‑time hires, you may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.

Impulse Space’s spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.