Associate General Counsel, Government Contracts Hadrian - Manufacturing the FutureHadrian is building autonomous factories that help aerospace and defense companies manufacture rockets, satellites, jets, and ships up to 10x faster and up to 2x cheaper. By combining advanced software, robotics, and full-stack manufacturing, we are reinventing how America produces its most critical parts.We’re accelerating our mission with the launch of Factory 3 in Mesa, Arizona, a 290,000-square-foot facility creating 350 new jobs. We are expanding rapidly to support thousands of future hires, launching Hadrian Maritime to expand into naval production, and introducing a Factory-as-a-Service model that delivers complete systems instead of individual parts.Hadrian is backed by leading investors including T. Rowe Price, Lux Capital, Founders Fund, and Andreessen Horowitz, our fast-growing team is united around reindustrializing American manufacturing for the 21st century and beyond.The RoleThe 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 DoServe as a key legal advisor on U.S. government contracts and subcontracts, including prime and subcontractor relationshipsAdvise on FAR, DFARS, and related agency regulations, including clause applicability and flow-down requirementsPartner with Business Development, Program Management, Finance, and Operations on government-related pursuits, contract negotiations, execution, and longterm complianceReview, negotiate, and support: government contracts and task orders; subcontracts with defense primes and government suppliers; teaming agreements, CRADAs, and other collaboration agreementsProvide guidance on compliance topics including cost accounting, audits, data rights, cybersecurity obligations, and procurement integritySupport internal stakeholders on contract performance issues, modifications, claims, disputes, and terminationsDevelop scalable processes, templates, and training related to government contracting complianceCollaborate with Legal Operations and Compliance teams to ensure systems support regulatory requirementsRetain and manage outside counsel and consultants (and associated budgets) as needed for specialized government contracting mattersWhat We’re Looking For:JD from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction10-15+ years of experience practicing government contracts law in a firm and/or in-house environmentSignificant experience supporting defense, aerospace, or national security-related programsDeep working knowledge of FAR/DFARS and government contracting principlesExperience advising on both prime contracts and subcontractsStrong business judgment and ability to draft contract language, think creatively, tackle novel legal questions, and provide practical, risk-based guidanceExcellent communication skills and confidence engaging with senior leadersAbility to operate effectively in fast-paced, high-growth environmentsWhat Sets You Apart: In-house government contracts experience at a defense, aerospace, or manufacturing companyPrior experience at a defense prime, major subcontractor, or government-focused law firmFamiliarity with classified or export-controlled programsExperience supporting scaled production or manufacturing programs for government customersBuilder mindset who thinks from first principles and with interest in shaping processes and infrastructure, not just advising on individual contractsAbility to balance regulatory rigor with execution speed in a startup environmentA security clearanceCompensationFor 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.BenefitsMedical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans for employees401kRelocation support may be provided for certain situations, based on business need.Flexible vacation policyITAR RequirementsTo 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 the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.Hadrian Is An Equal Opportunity EmployerIt is the Company’s policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The Company does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race inclusive of traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles, such as braids, locks and twists), color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, transgender status, national origin (including, in California, possession of a drivers license), ancestry, citize