Corporate Counsel, Defense & Aerospace

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 nego