Senior Government Contracts Counsel — Defense & Aerospace

Hadrian Automation; Torrance (CA); On-site; USD 325,000 - 350,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401k

Relocation support

Flexible vacation

Equity

Job summary

Hadrian is seeking an Associate General Counsel, Government Contracts, to advise on U.S. government contracting lifecycle and defense-related programs. This senior role requires autonomy, negotiating expertise, and a focus on compliance and execution velocity in a fast-growing company.

You will partner with leadership to shape government engagement, manage risk, and guide contract strategy across prime and subcontracting, use of flow-down clauses, and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• JD from an accredited law school and active U.S. bar membership
• 10–15+ years of government contracts law experience
• Significant defense/aerospace or national security program experience
• Deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government contracting principles
• Experience advising on prime and subcontracts
• Strong business judgment and ability to draft contract language
• Excellent communication skills with senior leaders
• Ability to operate in fast-paced, high-growth environments

Responsibilities

• Serve as a key legal advisor on U.S. government contracts and subcontracts (prime and subcontractor relationships)
• Advise on FAR, DFARS, and related agency regulations; assess clause applicability and flow-downs
• Partner with BD, PM, Finance, and Ops on pursuits, negotiations, execution, and long-term compliance
• Review, negotiate, and support government contracts, task orders, and related agreements
• Provide guidance on cost accounting, audits, data rights, cybersecurity, and procurement integrity
• Support internal stakeholders on performance issues, modifications, claims, disputes, and terminations
• Develop scalable processes, templates, and training for contracting compliance
• Collaborate with Legal Operations and Compliance to align systems with regulatory needs
• Retain and manage outside counsel and consultants as needed

Skills

Government contracts experience

FAR/DFARS knowledge

Contract negotiation

Leadership communication

Regulatory compliance

Education

JD from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

Hadrian is seeking an Associate General Counsel, Government Contracts, to advise on U.S. government contracting lifecycle and defense-related programs. This senior role requires autonomy, negotiating expertise, and a focus on compliance and execution velocity in a fast-growing company.

You will partner with leadership to shape government engagement, manage risk, and guide contract strategy across prime and subcontracting, use of flow-down clauses, and regulatory requirements.