The Deputy General Counsel advises the aerospace and defense organization on government contracting, regulatory compliance, export controls, intellectual property, cybersecurity, employment, litigation, and commercial matters. The role develops legal and compliance processes, oversees ethics and investigations, supports transactions and public company readiness, manages legal risks and budgets, and mentors legal personnel. Extensive experience with government contracts, FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, corporate transactions, regulatory compliance, and litigation is required.
The future of aerospace and defense starts here.
Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands.
The Deputy General Counsel will report to the General Counsel and provide legal advice to teams across all areas of the organization. This individual will in this role will help build out the legal and compliance departments as the organization scales, provide legal advice that appropriately balances risk with business needs, and navigate regulatory compliance obligations in the aerospace & defense industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Serve as a senior legal advisor to business on government contracting, regulatory, compliance, employment, litigation, export control, intellectual property, cybersecurity, and other legal and risk matters.
- Partner with stakeholders to help build consistent processes for negotiating, administering, and complying with U.S. federal government contracts and counsel on matters related to government contracting regulations (e.g., FAR, DFARS).
- Advise on complex commercial transactions, customer agreements, supply chain issues, and contractual disputes.
- Develop and implement an intellectual property protection strategy and negotiate complex data rights and other intellectual property contracting issues.
- Oversee company ethics program, including advising on and managing internal investigations.
- Lead and drive business transformation initiatives by improving legal and contracting processes, overhauling legal policies and training, and spearheading legal public company readiness initiatives.
- Support corporate transactions including mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, strategic partnerships, financing, and equity issuances.
- Identify and manage legal and business risks while enabling growth, operational continuity, and sound decision-making.
- Coach and mentor legal and compliance personnel; build legal capabilities aligned with corporate objectives.
- Assist with overall legal budget and outside counsel spend management.
Required Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
- Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state, with ability (or willingness) to be admitted in Colorado.
- A minimum of 13+ years of legal experience, with substantial experience in aerospace, defense, or other regulated industries.
- Strong experience with government contracting, export control regulations (ITAR/EAR), and defense procurement structures.
- Proven track record managing complex contracts, corporate transactions, regulatory compliance, and litigation.
- Excellent judgment and ability to advise senior management on risk-based decision making.
- Demonstrated ability to balance legal risk with business objectives in fast-paced, mission-critical environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior work in high technology, propulsion systems, aerospace manufacturing, or space systems.
- Experience with domestic/international joint ventures or cross-border transactions involving defense technologies.
- Proven leadership of legal/compliance functions in scale-up or high growth companies.
- Strong network with federal regulatory agencies (e.g., DoD, NASA, FAA) and understanding of government procurement / certifications.
Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $232,000 - $290,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. The salary range for this role is intentionally wide as we are evaluating individuals based on their unique experience and abilities to fit our needs. Most importantly, we are excited to meet you, and see if you are a great fit for our team. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy.
Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)
- Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
- Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
- Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
- Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
- EAP Program
- Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
- Equity Grants in the Company
How To Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.
NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.
Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents).
Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.
We’re an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
No outside recruiters, please.
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