Senior Counsel, Defense Contracts

Coherent Corp.

Senior Counsel advising on U.S. government contracting matters, focusing on compliance with FAR, DFARS, and CMMC.

Posted 5/29/2026full-timeWashington • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $135,025 - $189,035 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Cyber Security

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as primary legal counsel on U.S. government contracting matters, including compliance with FAR, DFARS, and related agency supplements
Advise on DoD and federal agency contracts, including contract formation, administration, and compliance obligations
Provide legal guidance on CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) requirements and broader cybersecurity compliance obligations tied to government contracts
Support proposal development, contract negotiations, and risk assessments for government programs
Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including prime contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and NDAs
Partner with engineering, IT, supply chain, and program management teams to ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements
Advise on flow-down requirements and support subcontractor compliance strategies
Liaise with U.S. government agencies, including DoD and Department of State, on contractual and regulatory matters
Support internal audits, investigations, and compliance reviews related to government contracts
Provide training to internal teams on FAR/DFARS requirements, CMMC readiness, and evolving regulatory expectations
Monitor and interpret regulatory changes and assess impact to the business
Provide training on CMMC to key stakeholders

Requirements

What you’ll need

BA or BS in business or related field preferred; experience in FARs, DFARs, defense contracting, CMMC.
Juris Doctorate
7-10 years legal experience
Experience working in a public company in the defense or related sector preferred.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Paid time off
Professional development opportunities
Hybrid work options

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

contract formationcontract administrationcompliance obligationsCMMCcybersecurity compliancerisk assessmentsdrafting agreementsnegotiating contractsinternal auditsregulatory interpretation

Soft Skills

advisingcollaborationtrainingcommunicationliaising

Certifications

Juris Doctorate