Contracts Counsel

Umbra builds next-generation space systems that observe the Earth in unprecedented fidelity.

Our mission: Deliver global omniscience.

To stay ahead of climate change, geopolitical risk, and other major crises and issues, we need a global understanding of what is changing, where, and how fast. Umbra provides easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, which is an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers to create solutions that inform, inspire, and address our planet’s most pressing needs. We’re helping to create a brand-new industry that has never meaningfully existed before.

Are you an experienced attorney with substantial expertise in government and commercial contracts, a passion for innovation, and a drive to make an impact? As we expand our footprint across both government and commercial sectors, we are seeking a dynamic and seasoned lawyer to join us as Contracts Counsel. Reporting to the VP, Head of Legal, the Contracts Counsel will be pivotal in shaping our contracting strategy and driving business growth through strategic deal-making. This role provides a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with our executive team and cross-functional departments to support and guide efforts in securing and executing contracts with government entities and commercial partners.

Our legal team is small but impactful, requiring an all-hands-on-deck mentality where every member plays a crucial role in the day-to-day operations of our fast-paced technology company. We are enablers of business strategy and promoters of innovation, helping business teams assess risk versus reward while maintaining our reputation as “the department of ‘yes.’” To excel in this role, you must be passionate about problem-solving, creative in finding solutions for novel challenges, highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of maintaining a positive attitude even under pressure.

Our aim is to hire this position in to work in Umbra's Arlington, VA office.  However, we are open to considering Hybrid applicants located in the VA/DC/MD area, and applicants located in Santa Barbara, CA.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Counsel: Provide comprehensive legal advice on all aspects of government and commercial contracting, including contract formation, execution, compliance, and dispute resolution.
• Contract Negotiation and Drafting: Negotiate, draft, and review government and commercial contracts and related documents, ensuring terms and conditions align with legal requirements and organizational objectives.
• Intellectual Property and Data Rights: Manage data rights issues in government and commercial contracts, ensuring the company’s intellectual property is protected and leveraged effectively.
• Regulatory Compliance: Provide advice regarding applicable Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), and other relevant government and commercial contracting laws and regulations.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks associated with both government and commercial contracts. Develop and implement strategies to address potential issues and protect the organization's interests.
  
• Bid and Proposal Support: Provide legal support during the bid and proposal process for both government and commercial opportunities, including reviewing and advising on proposal documents to ensure compliance with requirements.
• Training and Guidance: Train and advise internal teams on government and commercial contracting matters, including best practices, compliance requirements, and legal implications.
• Dispute Resolution: Represent the organization in contract disputes involving both government and commercial entities, including negotiating settlements, participating in alternative dispute resolution, and managing litigation if necessary.
• Additional Projects: Engage in other projects as needed and contribute to areas where your skills can add value.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Admission to the bar in at least one U.S. state.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in government and commercial contracting, with demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex agreements, including intellectual property and data rights.
• Strong knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and other relevant government and commercial contracting laws and regulations.
  
• Strong business acumen with a practical approach to balancing legal risk with business objectives.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Resilience, resourcefulness, and the ability to make decisions with imperfect facts.
• Eagerness to take on diverse responsibilities and expand beyond core legal functions.
• Experience with bid protests, contract disputes, and alternative dispute resolution is preferred.

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of specific industry sectors such as defense, aerospace, or technology.
  
• Experience in IP law and processes, including patent drafting, portfolio management, IP strategy, and general IP counseling.

• Knowledge of and experience with Agile methodologies.

 

Benefits

 

• Flexible Vacation / Paid Time Off / Family Leave
• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Voluntary Life, LTD
• 401(k) Plan with 3% non-elective employer contribution
• Stock Options
• Free Parking/Reimbursable Metro

 

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

 

Employment Eligibility Verification:

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

 

ITAR/EAR Requirements:

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.

 

Pay Transparency:

This job posting may span more than one career level. To provide greater transparency to candidates, we share base ranges for all job postings regardless of state. We set standard base pay ranges for all roles based on function and level benchmarked against similar stage growth companies. Final offer amounts are determined by skills, responsibilities and relevant work experience.