Principal, Counsel (Aerospace & Defense)

Location: Melbourne, Florida, US; onsite role with a 9/80 schedule, working 9 out of every 14 days and having every other Friday off.

Company

hirify.global develops end-to-end defense technology solutions connecting space, air, land, sea, and cyber domains for national security customers.

What you will do

• Provide practical legal advice on supply chain and procurement matters, including sourcing, vendor relationships, contracting, risk management, supplier selection, and onboarding.
• Draft, review, and negotiate master supply agreements, purchase orders, statements of work, service agreements, manufacturing agreements, distribution agreements, logistics contracts, and supplier contracts.
• Lead supplier and service-provider negotiations while balancing business objectives and legal risk.
• Develop procurement policies, procedures, contract templates, and workflows that improve standardization and operational efficiency.
• Advise on supplier performance, delivery delays, quality disputes, pricing adjustments, contract terminations, and strategic sourcing matters.
• Collaborate with Procurement, Operations, Finance, Quality, Compliance, business leaders, and outside counsel on supply chain legal matters, regulatory changes, claims, and pre-litigation disputes.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 12 years of prior related experience, or a graduate degree and at least 10 years of prior related experience; in lieu of a degree, at least 16 years of prior related experience.
• JD from an accredited law school and at least 7 years of legal experience focused on commercial contracts, procurement, and supply chain law.
• Membership in good standing of a state bar.

Nice to have

• Meaningful experience negotiating supply chain and procurement agreements with demonstrated success achieving favorable business outcomes.
• Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation, Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, and flowdown requirements in government contracting.
• Experience developing policies, procedures, and process improvements that drive efficiency and operational excellence.
• Ability to collaborate with and influence stakeholders across multiple organizational levels, with strong interpersonal, communication, judgment, and analytical skills.
• Ability to prioritize multiple time-sensitive tasks independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with international procurement, import/export regulations, trade compliance, and supply chain risk management.
• Experience supporting supply chain aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures.
• Law firm or in-house experience at a publicly traded company, preferably in aerospace and defense, manufacturing, retail, or distribution.
• Familiarity with logistics, warehousing, transportation agreements, and supply chain technology platforms.

Culture & Benefits

• Inclusive and collaborative environment focused on professional growth, operational excellence, and work-life success.
• Opportunity to support mission-critical national security programs and make an individual contribution to the legal framework for supply chain operations.
• Equal opportunity workplace with a commitment to respect, dignity, and freedom from unlawful discrimination.
• Employment may involve background checks, pre-employment substance abuse testing where permitted, and eligibility requirements for access to classified information.
• Some positions may require the ability to obtain a security clearance; security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens.