Associate General Counsel, Government Contracts

Hadrian Automation•Washington, DC

1d•$250,000 - $300,000

About The Position

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 Associate General Counsel, Government Contracts will report to the General Counsel and will serve as a key subject-matter expert on government contracting, providing strategic legal guidance across the lifecycle of U.S. government and defense-related programs. This is a senior, high-impact role for an experienced government contracts attorney who is comfortable operating with autonomy, advising executive leadership, negotiating agreements, tracking and advising on compliance, and enabling a fast-growing business to succeed in a highly regulated environment. You will help shape how Hadrian engages with government customers and defense primes while balancing compliance, risk, and execution velocity.

Requirements

JD from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
10-15+ years of experience practicing government contracts law in a firm and/or in-house environment
Significant experience supporting defense, aerospace, or national security-related programs
Deep working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government contracting principles
Experience advising on both prime contracts and subcontracts
Strong business judgment and ability to draft contract language, think creatively, tackle novel legal questions, and provide practical, risk-based guidance
Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with senior leaders
Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-growth environments

Nice To Haves

In-house government contracts experience at a defense, aerospace, or manufacturing company
Prior experience at a defense prime, major subcontractor, or government-focused law firm
Familiarity with classified or export-controlled programs
Experience supporting scaled production or manufacturing programs for government customers
Builder mindset who thinks from first principles and with interest in shaping processes and infrastructure, not just advising on individual contracts
Ability to balance regulatory rigor with execution speed in a startup environment
A security clearance

Responsibilities

Serve as a key legal advisor on U.S. government contracts and subcontracts, including prime and subcontractor relationships
Advise on FAR, DFARS, and related agency regulations, including clause applicability and flow-down requirements
Partner with Business Development, Program Management, Finance, and Operations on government-related pursuits, contract negotiations, execution, and longterm compliance
Review, negotiate, and support: government contracts and task orders; subcontracts with defense primes and government suppliers; teaming agreements, CRADAs, and other collaboration agreements
Provide guidance on compliance topics including cost accounting, audits, data rights, cybersecurity obligations, and procurement integrity
Support internal stakeholders on contract performance issues, modifications, claims, disputes, and terminations
Develop scalable processes, templates, and training related to government contracting compliance
Collaborate with Legal Operations and Compliance teams to ensure systems support regulatory requirements
Retain and manage outside counsel and consultants (and associated budgets) as needed for specialized government contracting matters