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Corporate Counsel, Defense & Aerospace

San Luis Obispo, California, United States

Join us at Zone 5 Technologies where innovation and cutting-edge technology drive pioneering advancements in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Based in the vibrant city of San Luis Obispo CA, we're seeking talented individuals to join and contribute to our growing team.

We thrive on pushing boundaries and inventing solutions to real-world challenges. Join a community of forward-thinkers who collaborate to create impactful products with a global reach. Our team, consisting of engineers and professionals, is prepared to overcome new frontiers and deliver innovative solutions in the field of unmanned aircraft systems.

We are seeking an experienced Corporate Counsel to serve as our first and only in-house legal leader as we scale operations and navigate the complexities of the defense industry and government contracting. Foundational role that will establish and lead our legal function, working directly with executive leadership to support existing operations and rapid growth while ensuring legal and risk management excellence, as well as regulatory compliance across all business activities.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Strategy & Leadership

  • Develop and implement comprehensive legal strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans
  • Serve as primary legal advisor to the CEO and executive team
  • Build and scale the legal function from the ground up, establishing processes, policies, and frameworks
  • Manage or assist in management of outside counsel relationships (i.e., regulatory and corporate counsel) and legal budgets across multiple practice areas

Contracts & Commercial Transactions

  • Lead negotiation of complex government contracts, including prime and subcontractor agreements
  • Oversee vendor agreements, licensing deals, technology transfer arrangements, and NDAs
  • Review facility and operating leases
  • Review relevant equipment financing documents, as well as any third-party lender and banking agreements
  • Support business development, M&A activities, and any due diligence, as needed

Regulatory & Compliance

  • While the position does not require expert-level subject matter expertise, General Counsel should be expected to help navigate complex federal regulations with the assistance of outside regulatory counsel including ITAR, EAR, FAR, DFARS, DCAA, DOL regulations, and other defense-related compliance requirements
  • Develop and maintain robust export control and security clearance programs
  • Ensure compliance with industry standards and certifications (FAA & DoD requirements)
  • Maintain expertise in California state law and regulatory requirements, including employment law
  • Oversee data protection, cybersecurity compliance, and information security legal requirements in partnership with IT team

Corporate Governance, Risk Management & Oversight

  • Review and enhance corporate governance framework
  • Develop enterprise-wide risk management and compliance programs
  • Continuously analyze and assess the organization's largest legal risk factors and mitigation strategies
  • Handle employment law matters and HR legal support
  • Manage intellectual property portfolio strategy and protection
  • Oversee litigation management and dispute resolution
  • Establish document management system

Growth Support

  • Aid senior management in the expansion of the company’s operating capabilities, including establishment of production facilities in new states and internationally
  • Navigate domestic and international expansion legal requirements and cross-border transactions
  • Develop scalable legal processes to support rapid organizational growth

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar (preferably California)
  • 5+ years in senior legal roles with direct executive team interaction
  • Experience as sole or lead legal counsel preferred
  • Comfort in all facets of government contracting required
  • Defense industry experience expected

Industry Expertise

  • Knowledge of defense industry standards, certifications, and regulatory framework
  • Government contracting expertise as drafting and commenting on legal agreements is critical to the role
  • General familiarity with ITAR and export control regulations, as well as security clearance processes and requirements

Technical Skills

  • Strong contract negotiation and drafting capabilities
  • Expert-level legal agreement drafting and finalization across all business functions
  • Corporate governance experience
  • Strong familiarity with California employment law, corporate law, and regulatory environment
  • HR legal support experience
  • Intellectual property strategy and management
  • International business law and cross-border transactions

Preferred Qualifications

  • Big Law firm background with Defense focus and in-house Defense Contractor
  • Previous experience as General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel preferred
  • Experience with high-growth technology companies
  • Government contracting or procurement experience

Personal Attributes

  • Strategic mindset with ability to balance legal risk with business objectives
  • Strong communication skills to clearly explain and simplify complex legal concepts for diverse audiences
  • Collaborative leadership style with experience building and leading teams
  • High integrity and judgment with impeccable ethical standards
  • Adaptability and resilience thriving in fast-paced, evolving environments

Pay range for this role

$225,000 - $275,000 USD

What's in it for you:

Benefits: 

  • Competitive total compensation package 
  • Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
  • 401k with company-match 
  • 4 weeks of paid time off each year
  • 12 annual company holidays

Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?

  • Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
  • Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
  • Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team! 

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov.

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