Senior Counsel, Contracts

Hadrian Automation•Washington, DC

About The Position

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 Senior Counsel, Contracts will serve as a senior legal leader and primary owner of commercial contracting at Hadrian, responsible for setting standard terms, advising on complex deals, and building scalable systems to support a rapidly growing business. This role is ideal for an experienced in-house lawyer who is comfortable operating with significant autonomy, partnering closely with executives and senior leaders, and making high-impact judgment calls in an environment where speed, scale, and compliance must coexist.

Requirements

Minimum of 4 years of experience managing FAR/DFARS supply chain compliance and JD from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
8-10+ years of legal experience, with in-house experience leading complex commercial contracting and time at a law firm
Demonstrated ability to operate as a senior individual contributor with minimal oversight
Experience supporting high-growth, operationally complex businesses (e.g., manufacturing, hardware, infrastructure, or technology)
Strong business judgment and the ability to balance legal risk with execution speed
Exceptional communication skills and executive presence
Comfort working in ambiguous, fast-changing environments and setting direction where none exists

Nice To Haves

Experience serving as the first or early legal hire at a scaling company
Exposure to government-adjacent customers or contracts (experience with government contracts is a strong plus)
Background in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or other highly regulated industries
Familiarity with ITAR, export controls, or similar regulatory frameworks
A builder mindset with a track record of creating durable systems and processes
Ability to operate as both a strategic advisor and hands-on executor

Responsibilities

Act as the primary legal owner for Hadrian’s commercial contracting function, with responsibility for quality, consistency, and scalability
Partner in negotiation and execution of complex, high-value agreements, including: customer manufacturing, services and long-term supply agreements; strategic partnerships and collaboration agreements; and vendor, sourcing, and capacity-related contracts critical to factory operations
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders on contract structure, risk tolerance, and deal strategy
Provide expert guidance on data rights, pricing models, warranties, indemnification, limitations of liability, and dispute risk
Support deals involving regulated or government-adjacent customers, balancing business objectives with compliance considerations
Design and continuously improve contract templates, playbooks, approval frameworks, and internal processes to support scale
Identify systemic risks and recurring friction points and proactively implement solutions
Manage and direct outside counsel where appropriate, ensuring cost-effective and high-quality support.