Senior Counsel, Regulatory

NightDragon Acquisition Corp.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous PTO and Holidays

401(k) plan with company match

Stock options

Free lunches and snacks

Job summary

Saronic Technologies is seeking an experienced Senior Counsel in San Diego, CA to lead legislative engagement and manage complex regulatory and litigation matters. You will collaborate with the General Counsel and regulatory teams to influence policy affecting unmanned maritime operations.

This multifaceted role demands a strong legal judgment and the ability to advocate effectively at high levels of government. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package are provided, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of legal experience in litigation and regulatory fields.
• Must have an active state bar membership in good standing.
• Experience with Senate or House committees is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage regulatory strategy on national and international issues.
• Support company's litigation portfolio alongside outside counsel.
• Engage federal legislators on matters affecting company operations.

Skills

Litigation experience

Regulatory advice

Legislative engagement

Oral advocacy

Written advocacy

Education

Juris Doctor

Job description

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms.

Job Overview

We are hiring a Senior Counsel to serve as a key contributor to our regulatory and litigation work and assist with Saronic’s federal legislative and policy engagement. This is primarily a regulatory and litigation role, with a meaningful legislative component. You will partner closely with our Head of Regulatory & Litigation, our General Counsel, and our government affairs and policy teams to shape the legal and policy environment in which Saronic operates.

This is not a traditional in-house role. It requires sharp legal judgment, political fluency, the ability to translate complex defense and technology issues into policy outcomes, and the discipline to manage high‑stakes litigation and regulatory matters in parallel.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory Strategy
• Partner with the Head of Regulatory & Litigation on national and international regulatory matters affecting Saronic, including military acquisition regulation, export controls, and cross‑cutting national security regulatory issues.
• Engage with agencies and develop comments, filings, and advocacy strategies on regulations material to the company.
• Litigation Support
• Support the company's litigation portfolio, working alongside outside counsel on case strategy, briefing, and dispositive motions.
• Leverage appellate and complex litigation experience to drive disciplined, high‑quality work product on the matters that matter most.
• Legislative and Policy Engagement
• Serve as Saronic’s principal legal lead for federal legislative engagement, working directly with members of Congress, committee staff, and the executive branch on issues affecting unmanned maritime systems, defense acquisition, and national security.
• Draft and analyze legislative proposals, amendments, report language, and statutory provisions relevant to Saronic's business — including the NDAA process, appropriations, and authorization legislation.
• Build and maintain relationships across the Senate and House, particularly on the Armed Services, Judiciary, Homeland Security, Intelligence, and Appropriations Committees.
• Advise senior leadership on legislative risk, opportunity, and strategy.
• Cross‑Functional Counsel
• Advise business leaders on the intersection of law, policy, and strategy across product, government affairs, and corporate functions.
• Help build the legal infrastructure of a fast‑scaling defense technology company

Qualifications

• 8+ years of combined legal experience involving litigation and regulatory advice (government, military, in‑house, or top‑tier law firm).
• Juris Doctor and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
• Substantive Senate or House committee experience, ideally including work on the Judiciary, Armed Services, Homeland Security, or Intelligence Committees, with a track record of moving legislation and shaping policy.
• Demonstrated interest in or experience with national security, defense, or law enforcement matters.
• Excellent written and oral advocacy; ability to operate with senior policymakers and senior executives with equal credibility.
• Sound judgment, low ego, high ownership, and the temperament to thrive in a fast‑moving, mission‑driven company.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior military service or other national security experience.
• Experience with defense acquisition, export controls, or CFIUS.
• Existing relationships across relevant congressional committees and executive branch agencies.
• Familiarity with autonomous systems, unmanned maritime vehicles, dual‑use technology, or defense innovation.
• Active U.S. security clearance (Secret or higher); TS/SCI strongly preferred.

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional standing and walking within the office
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required, including occasional shipboard visits and deployments to operational environments.

Benefits

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check‑ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry‑standard salaries with opportunities for performance‑based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success

Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short‑and long‑term disability coverage

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCAA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

If this role is based in the United States, it requires access to export‑controlled information or items that require "U.S. Person" status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a "U.S. Person": (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.

We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities.