Compliance Attorney

Hadrian — Manufacturing the Future

Hadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships up to 10x faster and 2x cheaper. By combining advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we’re reinventing how America produces its most critical parts.

We recently raised a $260M Series C to accelerate this mission. Our new 270,000 sq. ft. Mesa, AZ factory will create hundreds of new jobs and expand Hadrian’s ability to deliver at scale. Backed by Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and Andreessen Horowitz, we’re building a cornerstone of America’s industrial future.

The Role

Hadrian is seeking a Compliance Attorney to develop, lead, and scale our corporate and regulatory compliance programs across federal, state, and industry frameworks. You will work cross-functionally to ensure Hadrian operates with integrity and in full compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, including export controls, data security, and government contracting standards.

What You’ll Do

• Serve as a key member of Hadrian’s fast-moving Legal team, providing proactive, practical legal and compliance support across the organization.
  

• Advise the Environmental, Safety & Health (ES&H) department and other cross-functional teams on regulatory requirements, enabling timely and compliant product development and manufacturing.
  

• Manage regulatory and compliance requirements for the development, deployment, and operation of Hadrian products to support customer success and business growth.
  

• Partner with Business Development, Proposal, and Engineering teams to help capture new opportunities, expand existing contracts, and ensure seamless program execution.
  

• Design, implement, and oversee company-wide compliance programs, policies, and frameworks that promote operational excellence and accountability.
  

• Counsel leadership and operations on compliance with U.S. and international laws, including ITAR, EAR, FCPA, export controls, and anti-corruption regulations.
  

• Collaborate with engineering, security, and operations teams to maintain adherence to cybersecurity and export control standards (e.g., NIST 800-171, CMMC).
  

• Conduct internal audits, risk assessments, and investigations, identifying issues and driving effective mitigation plans.
  

• Manage and strengthen relationships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, and outside counsel on compliance, licensing, and enforcement matters.
  

• Build and sustain trusted partnerships with regulators and government offices critical to Hadrian’s ongoing success.
  

• Develop and deliver training programs to embed compliance awareness and accountability across the organization.
  

• Support due diligence and integration efforts for new partnerships, vendors, and programs.
  

• Handle a wide range of legal matters — including licensing, commercial agreements, IP, employment, and international expansion — serving as a key point of contact for internal stakeholders and external partners.
  

• Create and maintain reporting mechanisms to monitor compliance performance and ensure continuous improvement.

What We’re Looking For

• Minimum of 4 years of experience managing FAR/DFARS supply chain compliance and certification processes (or equivalent experience under UK, Australian, or EU frameworks).
  

• At least 4 years of hands-on experience with environmental compliance matters, including:

  • Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA/Superfund)
    

  • Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
    

  • Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
    

  • Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA)
    

• Strong understanding of U.S. federal and state permitting and regulatory procedures governing the construction, modification, operation, and decommissioning of manufacturing, testing, and industrial facilities.
  

• Experience supporting or managing environmental and toxic tort litigation.
  

• Working technical knowledge of unmanned and autonomous systems.
  

• Demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple, complex projects end-to-end — from supporting engineering teams through the export licensing lifecycle to resolving unexpected legal and compliance challenges in fast-paced defense or startup settings.
  

• Agile, curious, and eager to expand into new areas of law as business needs evolve, including intellectual property, litigation, financing, securities, compliance, and employment matters.
  

• Eligible for and capable of maintaining a DoD Top Secret and Special Access Program (SAP) security clearance.

• Active license to practice law in California, Arizona, or Washington, D.C., with willingness to work from Hadrian’s offices in those locations.

• Willingness to travel up to 25% as required.

• J.D. from an accredited law school; active bar membership.

• 8–12 years of legal or compliance experience in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or a related high-regulation sector.

• Deep knowledge of ITAR, EAR, FCPA, DFARS, and related compliance frameworks.

• Proven success building and managing compliance programs and investigations.

• Exceptional communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

• U.S. citizenship required (ITAR).

Compensation

For this role, the target salary range is $217,000 - $270,000 (actual range may vary based on experience).

This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Benefits

• 100% coverage of medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees

• 401(k)

• Relocation stipend for out-of-area hires

• Flexible vacation policy
  

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain authorization from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Hadrian provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race (inclusive of traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

We also make reasonable accommodations for qualified candidates and employees with disabilities, including those related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.