Deputy General Counsel

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 Deputy General Counsel to serve as a key legal and strategic advisor to the executive team, reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and/or a to-be-named Chief Legal Officer. This role will lead critical aspects of Hadrian’s legal function, overseeing contracts, compliance, and regulatory operations across federal, commercial, and international activities.

You will work closely with leadership, engineering, operations, and business development teams to structure, negotiate, and manage high-value contracts, ensure regulatory compliance, and mitigate legal and operational risk as Hadrian scales its manufacturing footprint and defense partnerships.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee Hadrian’s contracting and legal operations across all business units, ensuring consistency, compliance, and strategic alignment.
  

• Lead the development and negotiation of complex, multi-year technology and manufacturing contracts, including Department of Defense and aerospace programs.
  

• Provide expert guidance on federal procurement, data rights, and pricing strategies to support growth, program execution, and new contract opportunities.
  

• Manage the full lifecycle of contracts — from capture and proposal through execution, compliance, and renewal — ensuring risk is identified and mitigated early.
  

• Advise senior leadership on corporate governance, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, export controls, and employment matters.
  

• Establish and manage high-trust relationships with Government Contracting Officers, regulators, and industry partners to enable long-term success in the defense and manufacturing sectors.
  

• Support development and implementation of company-wide compliance frameworks, policies, and training programs.
  

• Collaborate with cross-functional leaders on strategic initiatives, M&A, financing, and international expansion.
  

• Represent the legal function with internal and external stakeholders, including outside counsel, investors, and government agencies.
  

What We’re Looking For

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

• 10+ years of legal experience in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or a similarly regulated industry.
  

• Deep knowledge of FAR/DFARS, ITAR, EAR, and related federal contracting frameworks.
  

• Proven ability to lead contracting, compliance, and risk management programs.
  

• Experience advising executive leadership on corporate governance, transactions, and strategic initiatives.
  

• Strong communication and negotiation skills with the ability to influence at all levels of an organization.
  

• U.S. citizenship required (ITAR).
  

Compensation

For this role, the target salary range is $270,000 - $320,000 (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.