Senior Counsel

Join the Mission: Elevate Your Career as a Senior Counsel at BAE Systems.  Are you a seasoned lawyer ready to take your career to new heights? Do you thrive in fast-paced environments where problem-solving and strategic thinking are paramount? We are seeking a talented lawyer to join our dynamic legal team.

        BAE Systems, Inc. Intelligence & Security (I&S) Sector is seeking an experienced lawyer to provide legal support to our Air & Space Force Solutions (ASFS) business area.  Within the I&S Sector, ASFS provides the US Air Force, US Space Force and combatant commands with innovative systems engineering and integration solutions to modernize, maintain, test and cyber-harden aircraft, radars, strategic missile systems, mission applications and information system that detect, deter and dissuade national security threats. You will be part of a team that is dedicated to supporting the brave men and women who serve our country, and have the chance to make a real impact on the success of our missions.

        As Senior Counsel, you will ensure the business is in compliance with, and operates ethically within, all relevant corporate and governmental directives, policies, regulations, and laws in its transactions while protecting the company against potential claims and litigation.  You will be required to utilize your business insight, as much as your legal knowledge, in collaborating with business leadership and functional organizations to meet customer requirements. You will provide sound, pragmatic legal advice and innovative/creative solutions on a wide range of business, contractual and supply chain matters that facilitates the achievement of business objectives. 

        As a key member of the I&S Sector Legal team, you will report directly to the Vice President and Chief Counsel, Intelligence & Security. As the Senior Counsel, you will:

• Ensure that the business is in full compliance with all corporate and governmental directives, ethics, policies, regulations, and laws;
• Formulate and recommend operating policies and objectives or changes in existing policies and procedures to ensure compliance with corporate, ethics, governmental regulations, and laws;
• Provide legal advice to business and management personnel;
• Function as liaison between management and outside legal counsel;
• Manage litigation support department objectives within established budget;
• Participate in professional associations; 
• Develop and present training materials and courses for the employee workforce on a variety of legal and other functional topics;
• Develop and demonstrate an expertise in laws and regulations that affect our business;
• Maintain a safe work environment and ensure compliance with safety objectives and policies;
• Share responsibility of self-development with immediate supervisor

Education/Bar Requirements:

• JD from an ABA accredited law school;
• Admitted to practice law in a US jurisdiction required;
• Eligible to be admitted to Virginia state bar, or ability to obtain a corporate counsel certificate to practice in Virginia.

Key Job Requirements:

• Minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience with a major law firm, aerospace and defense company or the federal government – Area of Focus: Government Contracting.
• In-depth knowledge of the FAR/DFARs and other relevant government contracting rules and regulations.
• Draft, negotiate, and review a broad range of agreements including U.S. Government contracts, cooperative agreements; other transaction authority agreements; licenses and support agreements.
• Review and advise on intellectual property rights, data rights under U.S. Government contracts, software license rights, and intellectual property matters affecting product development, contract negotiation, and other business issues.
• Conduct legal research and deliver advice and counsel based on that research.
• Proactively research and report on changes in relevant laws, regulations and industry standards, as well as track emerging trends.
• Guide successful resolution of legal problems, examine various documents and data and provide counsel to the business on the best course of action.
• Participate in reviewing, interpreting, and drafting various company policies and procedures, including responsibility for developing new or enhancing existing contract templates, guidelines, policies, and training materials in support of the legal department's efforts to empower other functions to better assist the business areas they support.
• Analyze, prepare, and review various matters to ensure protection of the interests of BAE Systems.
• Assist with analysis and advice regarding litigation and pre-litigation matters.
• Problem Solving - analytical thought needed to resolve issues in a variety of complex situations without supervision;
• Nature of Impact - routinely impacts quality, timeliness of results, planning and revenues or budget and frequently sets policies and procedures;
• Interpersonal skills - communicates sensitive information, modifies belief or opinions within a program or business area based on the facts and situation;
• Negotiation Skills – negotiates mainly internally, at higher levels, and with external relationships;
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as outstanding organizational and analytical skills;
• Work independently, but collaboratively in a team setting while displaying a high level of self-direction and sound judgment;
• Must be a self-starter, have a proactive approach to address issues before such issues create legal exposure;
• Able to handle a multitude of complex and challenging situations;

About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it’s what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts – defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team—making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you’ll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.

Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do—from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

• 11+ years of experience
• Government contracting experience with Air Force, Space Force, DoD, foreign governments, or federal civilian domain customer experience

Benefits Information
Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

Intern Benefits: Temporary employees generally are not eligible for BAE Systems benefits, but can elect to participate in the 401(k) savings plan. Temporary employees working 20+ hours per week are eligible for medical benefits, the employee assistance program, and business travel accident insurance.

Please note: Some benefits may be different for union employees that are governed by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) or for positions covered by a wage law called the McNamara-O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA).