Associate General Counsel, Government Contracts

Hadrian — Manufacturing the Future

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 Role

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.

What You’ll Do

• 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

What We’re Looking For:

• 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

What Sets You Apart:

• 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

Compensation

For this role, the target salary range is $250,000 - $300,000 (actual range may vary based on experience).

This is the lowest to highest salary we reasonably and in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. We may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range, and the range may be modified in the future. An employee's pay position within the salary range will be based on several factors, including, but not limited to, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Benefits

• 100% coverage of medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for employees

• 401(k)

• Relocation stipend for out-of-area hires

• Flexible vacation policy

ITAR Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain authorization from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Opportunity Employment

Hadrian provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants. We do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race (inclusive of traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related conditions), gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

We also make reasonable accommodations for qualified candidates and employees with disabilities, including those related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.