Legal Counsel - Government Contracts

Hermeus is a venture capital-backed aerospace and defense technology company. The business is focused on building high-speed products that sustainably deliver asymmetric advantage to the Department of Defense and allied partners. Utilizing an iterative development approach to aircraft, Hermeus’ high-Mach and hypersonic aircraft aim to deliver capabilities at a pace not seen in the U.S. since the 1950s.

Hermeus is seeking a Legal Counsel to provide comprehensive legal support across the full spectrum of government contracts matters, focusing on customer-facing government contracts, subcontracts, and software agreements. You’ll work cross-functionally to structure, negotiate, and execute sophisticated agreements, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations and alignment with business objectives. This is a high-impact, hands-on role in a fast-paced, mission-driven aerospace environment. 

• Government Contracts:
• Structure and negotiate contracts with government agencies, prime contractors, and subcontractors, ensuring compliance with the FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific requirements.
• Collaborate with business development, engineering, finance, supply chain, and policy teams to develop and implement government contracting strategies.
• Review proposals and deliverables in advance of submission to ensure consistency and compliance.
• Advise on risk allocation, regulatory and compliance obligations, and contract performance.
• Advise on data rights matters.

• Commercial & Software Agreements:
• Structure, negotiate, and finalize technology transactions, including software licensing, SaaS, and more.
• Manage AI provisions, open source compliance, and software supply chain legal issues.

• Compliance & Regulatory:
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, cybersecurity, and other government regulations.
• Advise on export control and U.S. export compliance status.
• Draft and enforce policies to ensure compliance with government contract requirements.
• Support government audits and compliance reviews.

• Other Areas As Needed:
• Handle Non-Disclosure Agreements and Professional Services Agreements related to government or subcontractor engagements.
• File documents in company repository.
• Help establish polices and procedures.

• JD degree with admission to practice law in a U.S. state bar in good standing.
• 7 years of relevant post-law school experience.
• 5+ years experience in a legal and/or contracts role at a private company, law firm, or government agency.
• Subject matter expertise in government contracts and subcontracts.
• Subject matter expertise in software licensing agreements.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Good judgment and ability to balance risk and productivity in a startup environment.
• Comfortable with and responsive to rapid developments and changes in direction; willing to learn new technology, products, and substantive legal areas to support multiple roles within the legal department.
• Resourceful, creative, and eager to take ownership of complex matters.
• Ability to be extremely responsive to internal clients.
• Ability to travel up to 10% of time.

• Experience with aerospace industry and its unique legal challenges.
• Ability to forge relationships quickly, and earn the confidence of business stakeholders.
• Diligent, proactive, and able to manage multiple competing priorities with excellent time management.
• Willingness to work evenings/weekends to support critical mission milestones.
• Familiarity with export controls and U.S. government security clearance requirements.

• Safety is paramount, with stringent protocols ensuring a secure workplace. Collaboration is key, providing opportunities to work closely with a skilled team dedicated to innovation.   

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS 

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Hermeus is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions at Hermeus are based solely on merit, competence, and qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.