Senior Defense Contracts Counsel — DoD, FAR, CMMC

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

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.