Legal Counsel / Contracts Manager

Aptiv•Washington, DC

About The Position

Wind RiverX is hiring a legal counsel/contracts manager to serve as its principal legal advisor on U.S. government contracting and regulatory matters. The role combines legal leadership, transaction execution, and compliance oversight in support of the company’s Federal growth strategy. The position provides hands-on legal support to business leaders, shapes deal structures, and establishes operational rigor across customer contracts, partners, and government engagements. The successful candidate will be Wind RiverX’s primary legal authority for U.S. Federal business and a trusted advisor to executive leadership, working independently in a high-growth environment. Some travel within the United States is required. The position leads Federal contracting strategy across the sales lifecycle, drafts and negotiates government-related agreements, advises executives and sales leaders on contract and program implications, and oversees regulatory, security, dispute, and external legal matters. It also serves as the lead legal liaison to the parent company and partners with WRX Security leadership on industrial security and insider-threat obligations.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
At least 8 years of relevant government contracts experience.
Active Top Secret U.S. Government security clearance, or ability to obtain and maintain one.
Subject matter expertise in U.S. Government contracting, including the FAR, DFARS, and other agency supplements.
Experience structuring and negotiating FAR-based contracts, Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements, and GSA Schedule procurements.
Experience with multiple contract types, such as FFP, cost-reimbursement, IDIQ, T&M, and BPAs.
Experience with ITAR/EAR regulations and export compliance.
Strong negotiation, contract drafting, and analytical skills.
Experience representing a subcontractor.
Ability to complete the required security clearance process and legally perform the fundamental job duties.

Nice To Haves

A combination of law firm and in-house government contracts experience is strongly preferred.
Deep substantive knowledge of enterprise software, software licensing, and channel distribution models.

Responsibilities

Provide legal guidance throughout the Federal sales lifecycle, including opportunity reviews, RFP analysis, capture support, negotiation and award, and contract administration.
Assess legal and compliance risks early in pursuits and recommend mitigation strategies.
Draft and negotiate government-related agreements, including subcontracts, teaming agreements, OTAs, and NDAs.
Support negotiations with prime contractors.
Advise executives and sales leadership on how contract terms affect revenue, program risk, and delivery obligations.
Provide practical advice on intellectual property strategy, software licensing models, and government rights in technical data.
Serve as lead legal liaison to the parent company.
Lead legal oversight of FAR and DFARS compliance, export controls (ITAR/EAR), and data security obligations.
Partner with WRX Security leadership on industrial security and insider-threat obligations.
Direct support for contract claims and government investigations.
Oversee outside counsel relationships.
Travel within the United States as required.