General Counsel, Aerospace and Defense Industry

Full-Time | Permanent | Remote | Southern California Preferred

Latitude is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as the first General Counsel and in‑house legal hire of a growing aerospace and defense technology company that develops advanced radar systems and communications technologies for government and commercial customers. This is an opportunity to establish and lead the company’s legal function, work directly with executive leadership, and serve as the company’s principal legal advisor.

The General Counsel will oversee the company’s legal affairs, with a particular emphasis on government contracting, regulatory compliance, and commercial transactions. The ideal candidate will have experience advising government contractors, preferably in the aerospace or defense industry, and a strong understanding of federal contracting requirements, regulations, and associated legal risks. The role requires an attorney who can independently draft and negotiate complex agreements, advise leadership on significant business and legal decisions, and help the company navigate the legal requirements associated with its continued growth. Beyond government contracting, the General Counsel will serve as a legal generalist, providing practical guidance on a range of corporate and operational matters.

As the company’s first in‑house attorney, the General Counsel will have significant responsibility for establishing the legal function and developing appropriate policies and processes. This position is particularly well suited to an experienced in‑house attorney who is ready to assume broader leadership responsibilities and help shape the company’s continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the company’s principal legal advisor, providing strategic and practical guidance to executive leadership on legal, regulatory, and business matters.
• Lead legal support for government contracts, including drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and advising on federal government agreements, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and related transactions.
• Advise on compliance with applicable government contracting laws and regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, including customer, vendor, supplier, licensing, technology, services, and confidentiality agreements.
• Identify and manage legal and regulatory risks associated with the company’s operations, government contracting activities, and growth initiatives.
• Provide legal guidance on employment and human resources matters, coordinating with specialized outside counsel as appropriate.
• Supervise and manage outside legal counsel.
• Establish and improve legal processes, contract management practices, compliance procedures, and other foundational elements of the company’s in‑house legal function.
• Work collaboratively with business, finance, engineering, operations, and other internal stakeholders.

Basic Requirements for the General Counsel

• JD from an ABA‑accredited law school.
• Licensed to practice law and in good standing in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. California bar admission is preferred but not required. Candidates must be eligible to practice in‑house in accordance with applicable licensing requirements.
• 10+ years of legal experience, including substantial experience advising companies on government contracting and commercial legal matters.
• In‑house legal experience strongly preferred, particularly with a company operating in the aerospace, defense, or government contracting industries.
• Ability to provide practical guidance on employment law and human resources issues, including recognizing matters that require specialized outside counsel. Familiarity with California employment law is preferred.
• Advise on corporate governance matters, support Board of Directors meetings, and assist with corporate policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize competing demands, and provide timely, business‑oriented legal advice in a growing organization.
• Outstanding professional references.

Position Details Of The General Counsel

• Type of role: In‑House General Counsel
• Schedule: Permanent (full‑time)
• Location: Southern California preferred. The company’s headquarters is located in Southern California, and the position offers flexibility to work remotely. However, the General Counsel will be expected to attend in‑person meetings at company headquarters and participate in Board of Directors meetings as needed. While candidates located in Southern California are preferred, highly qualified candidates elsewhere in the United States will also be considered.

Compensation

Pay: Annual base salary of $225,000–$250,000, depe