Government Contracts & Compliance Counsel
The Opportunity
StaffRight Associates is recruiting for a Government Contracts & Compliance Counsel to join an expanding technology company in the defense and security sector. This is a full-time, on-site role in McLean, VA.
As the Government Contracts & Compliance Counsel, you will act as a trusted advisor to business leaders on government contracting, regulatory compliance, and international trade, offering strategic direction on complex government and commercial agreements, regulatory obligations, risk, and day-to-day operations. You will partner with leadership, sales, operations, product development, and compliance to structure deals, reduce risk, and fuel growth while upholding rigorous legal and regulatory standards.
The client wants more than a technical legal expert: a strategic business partner who sees how legal decisions shape commercial results, customer relationships, and organizational growth. The right person brings sound judgment, attention to detail, and confidence in complex regulatory settings, works well both independently and across departments, and proactively spots risks and builds compliance strategies that let the business pursue opportunities responsibly in a fast-moving environment.
What You'll Do
Government Contracts & Commercial Agreements
- Draft, review, and negotiate government and commercial contracts, including teaming agreements, subcontracts, statements of work, NDAs, licensing, distribution and reseller agreements, and amendments.
- Evaluate RFPs, RFIs, and other procurement documents and advise on their terms.
- Guide the business on federal contracting obligations, including relevant FAR and DFARS clauses.
- Structure agreements during negotiations that align commercial goals with legal and regulatory requirements.
Regulatory Compliance & Export Controls
- Counsel stakeholders on compliance with ITAR, EAR, FAR, DFARS, and other applicable laws.
- Interpret regulatory obligations and deliver practical direction on government contracting and export control questions.
- Build, roll out, and maintain corporate policies, procedures, and compliance programs.
- Track regulatory changes and gauge their effect on operations.
Risk Management & Strategic Counsel
- Pinpoint, assess, and mitigate legal, contractual, and regulatory risk across government programs and commercial activity.
- Deliver actionable advice that advances business goals while safeguarding the organization.
- Weigh risks against benefits and recommend workable solutions to complex legal and commercial problems.
- Advise leaders and teams on legal issues tied to sales, business development, product development, and customer engagements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Compliance Programs
- Partner with legal, sales, operations, product, and compliance teams to advance initiatives and meet contractual and regulatory obligations.
- Coordinate with outside counsel, business partners, and government agencies as needed.
- Design and lead training on government contracting, export controls, and compliance procedures.
- Maintain contract files, compliance records, and required regulatory reports.
- Administer legal and compliance programs within a sales-driven organization.
What You Bring
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
- Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, with the ability to provide legal services in Virginia as required.
- Proven Government Contracting experience, ideally in defense, aerospace, technology, or federal services.
- Strong command of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, and EAR requirements.
- Experience with Contract Drafting and Contract Negotiation for complex government and commercial agreements.
- Background in Regulatory Compliance, Export Controls, Contract Risk Management, and Policy Development.
- Experience serving as Business Legal Counsel to cross-functional teams and leaders on legal and commercial issues.
- Strong Analytical Skills, Negotiation, Communication, and Problem Solving abilities.
- Skill at turning complex legal requirements into clear, practical business recommendations.
- A pragmatic, commercially minded approach that balances risk mitigation with business objectives.
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.
Compensation & Total Rewards
- Salary: $180,000 - $220,000
- Engagement: Full-time, direct hire; on-site in McLean, VA
- Benefits: Top-tier benefits
Joining StaffRight Associates
When you partner with StaffRight Associates in your search for your next role, you're doing more than pursuing a job, you're aligning yourself with a team of experts committed to placing top-tier talent in truly impactful positions. We take pride in fostering professional growth and connecting forward-thinking individuals with organizations that value innovation and excellence. We look forward to showcasing your expertise in a way that resonates with our clients and opens the door to meaningful opportunities.
