Senior Associate, Government Contracts
About The Position
As Senior Associate, Government Contracts, at Impulse, you will serve as our in-house subject-matter expert on government contracting, providing strategic legal counsel across the full lifecycle of U.S. government and defense programs. This is a senior, high-impact role for a seasoned government contracts attorney who thrives with autonomy — advising executives, negotiating complex agreements, managing compliance obligations, and helping a fast-moving commercial space company operate effectively in a highly regulated market. You will play a central role in shaping how Impulse engages with government customers and defense prime contractors, balancing risk management with the speed of execution our business demands.
Requirements
- J.D. from an accredited law school and active U.S. bar membership
- 10+ years of government contracts law experience, in a law firm and/or in-house
- Comprehensive knowledge of FAR/DFARS and foundational government contracting principles
- Sound business judgment and the ability to draft contract language, provide practical risk-based guidance, and navigate novel legal questions with clarity
- Strong communicator with the presence and confidence to engage senior leadership and external counterparts
- Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-growth environments where priorities shift and self-direction is essential
Nice To Haves
- Previous working experience at a law firm
- 5+ years of demonstrated law experience supporting defense, aerospace, or national security programs
- Familiarity advising across both the prime contract and subcontract levels
- Demonstrated background with commercial space, launch vehicles, or in-space transportation
Responsibilities
- Serve as 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 Business Development, Legal 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
Benefits
- medical, vision & dental coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- long-term incentives, in the form of stock options
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
