Zone 5 Technologies
Corporate Counsel, Defense & Aerospace
Zone 5 Technologies, San Luis Obispo, California, us, 93403
San Luis Obispo, California, United States
Join us at Zone 5 Technologies where innovation and cutting-edge technology drive pioneering advancements in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Based in the vibrant city of San Luis Obispo CA, we're seeking talented individuals to join and contribute to our growing team.
We thrive on pushing boundaries and inventing solutions to real-world challenges. Join a community of forward-thinkers who collaborate to create impactful products with a global reach. Our team, consisting of engineers and professionals, is prepared to overcome new frontiers and deliver innovative solutions in the field of unmanned aircraft systems.
We are seeking an experienced Corporate Counsel to serve as our first and only in-house legal leader as we scale operations and navigate the complexities of the defense industry and government contracting. Foundational role that will establish and lead our legal function, working directly with executive leadership to support existing operations and rapid growth while ensuring legal and risk management excellence, as well as regulatory compliance across all business activities.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement comprehensive legal strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans
Serve as primary legal advisor to the CEO and executive team
Build and scale the legal function from the ground up, establishing processes, policies, and frameworks
Manage or assist in management of outside counsel relationships (i.e., regulatory and corporate counsel) and legal budgets across multiple practice areas
Contracts & Commercial Transactions
Lead negotiation of complex government contracts, including prime and subcontractor agreements
Oversee vendor agreements, licensing deals, technology transfer arrangements, and NDAs
Review facility and operating leases
Review relevant equipment financing documents, as well as any third-party lender and banking agreements
Support business development, M&A activities, and any due diligence, as needed
Regulatory & Compliance
While the position does not require expert-level subject matter expertise, General Counsel should be expected to help navigate complex federal regulations with the assistance of outside regulatory counsel including ITAR, EAR, FAR, DFARS, DCAA, DOL regulations, and other defense-related compliance requirements
Develop and maintain robust export control and security clearance programs
Ensure compliance with industry standards and certifications (FAA & DoD requirements)
Maintain expertise in California state law and regulatory requirements, including employment law
Oversee data protection, cybersecurity compliance, and information security legal requirements in partnership with IT team
Review and enhance corporate governance framework
Develop enterprise-wide risk management and compliance programs
Continuously analyze and assess the organization's largest legal risk factors and mitigation strategies
Handle employment law matters and HR legal support
Manage intellectual property portfolio strategy and protection
Oversee litigation management and dispute resolution
Growth Support
Aid senior management in the expansion of the company’s operating capabilities, including establishment of production facilities in new states and internationally
Navigate domestic and international expansion legal requirements and cross-border transactions
Develop scalable legal processes to support rapid organizational growth
Required Qualifications Education & Experience
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar (preferably California)
5+ years in senior legal roles with direct executive team interaction
Experience as sole or lead legal counsel preferred
Comfort in all facets of government contracting required
Defense industry experience expected
Industry Expertise
Knowledge of defense industry standards, certifications, and regulatory framework
Government contracting expertise as drafting and commenting on legal agreements is critical to the role
General familiarity with ITAR and export control regulations, as well as security clearance processes and requirements
Technical Skills
Strong contract negotiation and drafting capabilities
Expert-level legal agreement drafting and finalization across all business functions
Corporate governance experience
Strong familiarity with California employment law, corporate law, and regulatory environment
HR legal support experience
Intellectual property strategy and management
International business law and cross-border transactions
Preferred Qualifications
Big Law firm background with Defense focus and in-house Defense Contractor
Previous experience as General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel preferred
Experience with high-growth technology companies
Government contracting or procurement experience
Personal Attributes
Strategic mindset
with ability to balance legal risk with business objectives
Strong communication skills
to clearly explain and simplify complex legal concepts for diverse audiences
Collaborative leadership style
with experience building and leading teams
High integrity and judgment
with impeccable ethical standards
Adaptability and resilience
thriving in fast-paced, evolving environments
Pay range for this role
$225,000 - $275,000 USD
What’s in it for you
Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
401k with company-match
4 weeks of paid time off each year
12 annual company holidays
Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity information: Zone 5 Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Join us at Zone 5 Technologies where innovation and cutting-edge technology drive pioneering advancements in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). Based in the vibrant city of San Luis Obispo CA, we're seeking talented individuals to join and contribute to our growing team.
We thrive on pushing boundaries and inventing solutions to real-world challenges. Join a community of forward-thinkers who collaborate to create impactful products with a global reach. Our team, consisting of engineers and professionals, is prepared to overcome new frontiers and deliver innovative solutions in the field of unmanned aircraft systems.
We are seeking an experienced Corporate Counsel to serve as our first and only in-house legal leader as we scale operations and navigate the complexities of the defense industry and government contracting. Foundational role that will establish and lead our legal function, working directly with executive leadership to support existing operations and rapid growth while ensuring legal and risk management excellence, as well as regulatory compliance across all business activities.
Key Responsibilities
Develop and implement comprehensive legal strategy aligned with business objectives and growth plans
Serve as primary legal advisor to the CEO and executive team
Build and scale the legal function from the ground up, establishing processes, policies, and frameworks
Manage or assist in management of outside counsel relationships (i.e., regulatory and corporate counsel) and legal budgets across multiple practice areas
Contracts & Commercial Transactions
Lead negotiation of complex government contracts, including prime and subcontractor agreements
Oversee vendor agreements, licensing deals, technology transfer arrangements, and NDAs
Review facility and operating leases
Review relevant equipment financing documents, as well as any third-party lender and banking agreements
Support business development, M&A activities, and any due diligence, as needed
Regulatory & Compliance
While the position does not require expert-level subject matter expertise, General Counsel should be expected to help navigate complex federal regulations with the assistance of outside regulatory counsel including ITAR, EAR, FAR, DFARS, DCAA, DOL regulations, and other defense-related compliance requirements
Develop and maintain robust export control and security clearance programs
Ensure compliance with industry standards and certifications (FAA & DoD requirements)
Maintain expertise in California state law and regulatory requirements, including employment law
Oversee data protection, cybersecurity compliance, and information security legal requirements in partnership with IT team
Review and enhance corporate governance framework
Develop enterprise-wide risk management and compliance programs
Continuously analyze and assess the organization's largest legal risk factors and mitigation strategies
Handle employment law matters and HR legal support
Manage intellectual property portfolio strategy and protection
Oversee litigation management and dispute resolution
Growth Support
Aid senior management in the expansion of the company’s operating capabilities, including establishment of production facilities in new states and internationally
Navigate domestic and international expansion legal requirements and cross-border transactions
Develop scalable legal processes to support rapid organizational growth
Required Qualifications Education & Experience
Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar (preferably California)
5+ years in senior legal roles with direct executive team interaction
Experience as sole or lead legal counsel preferred
Comfort in all facets of government contracting required
Defense industry experience expected
Industry Expertise
Knowledge of defense industry standards, certifications, and regulatory framework
Government contracting expertise as drafting and commenting on legal agreements is critical to the role
General familiarity with ITAR and export control regulations, as well as security clearance processes and requirements
Technical Skills
Strong contract negotiation and drafting capabilities
Expert-level legal agreement drafting and finalization across all business functions
Corporate governance experience
Strong familiarity with California employment law, corporate law, and regulatory environment
HR legal support experience
Intellectual property strategy and management
International business law and cross-border transactions
Preferred Qualifications
Big Law firm background with Defense focus and in-house Defense Contractor
Previous experience as General Counsel or Deputy General Counsel preferred
Experience with high-growth technology companies
Government contracting or procurement experience
Personal Attributes
Strategic mindset
with ability to balance legal risk with business objectives
Strong communication skills
to clearly explain and simplify complex legal concepts for diverse audiences
Collaborative leadership style
with experience building and leading teams
High integrity and judgment
with impeccable ethical standards
Adaptability and resilience
thriving in fast-paced, evolving environments
Pay range for this role
$225,000 - $275,000 USD
What’s in it for you
Comprehensive benefit package options include medical, dental, vision, life, and more.
401k with company-match
4 weeks of paid time off each year
12 annual company holidays
Why Join Zone 5 Technologies?
Innovative Environment: Work on cutting-edge technology that is shaping the future of defense and aerospace.
Collaborative Culture: Join a team of passionate professionals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.
If you are passionate about unmanned aircraft technology and want to be a part of a dynamic and growing company, we would love to hear from you. Apply today and join the Zone 5 Technologies team!
In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
Zone 5 Technologies is a federal contractor and participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. As required by law, we will verify the identity and employment authorization of all new employees using the E-Verify system. Learn more about your rights and responsibilities under E-Verify: https://www.e-verify.gov
Equal Employment Opportunity information: Zone 5 Technologies is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other status protected by law.
#J-18808-Ljbffr