Assistant General Counsel, Government Contracts

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security and sustainability. Our people apply undaunted curiosity, relentless ambition and boundless imagination to challenge convention and drive progress. Our commitments are underpinned by the belief that safety, collaboration and well-being are integral to success. Headquartered in Chantilly, Virginia, we have approximately 50,000 employees in more than 70 countries across all 7 continents.

Amentum is seeking a highly experienced Assistant General Counsel, Government Contracts to join our Legal Department. This role leads legal advisory services and strategic guidance for business lines within a $6B business group, serving as a trusted advisor to business line and program leaders. This position will provide strategic legal counsel and expert guidance on a range of matters critical to the success and growth of the business. The position reports to the Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Government Contracts.

The ideal candidate will have deep experience in all aspects of US federal government contracts. This position will direct the work of other attorneys. US Citizenship is required. This is a HYBRID role, when on-site you will report to our Reston, VA office.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on all aspects of U.S. federal government contracts, including FAR, DFARS, and agency specific regulations for contract formation, negotiation, performance, modification, compliance, and closeout. Provide legal risk assessments for bids, proposals, and ongoing contracts.
• Advise on cost allowability, contract claims/disputes, contract terminations, and bid protests.
• Oversee the negotiation of teaming agreements, NDAs, subcontracts, and other related agreements.
• Assist in responding to government audits, investigations, and inquiries, including from the DCAA, DCMA, and OIG.
• Support internal compliance programs, training, and policy development related to government contracting.
• Engages when appropriate, coordinates and manages outside counsel including developing case strategy
• Provides analysis and responses to legislative developments, public and industry inquiries.
• Provides expertise on questions of corporate authority to engage in various transactions.
• Collaborate with contracts, finance, procurement, and program teams to ensure alignment with legal and regulatory obligations.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and other federal procurement regulations.
• Experience with government contract disputes, claims, and bid protests.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Anticipates, minimizes and effectively manages legal risks facing the company.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 7-10 years of relevant experience in government contracts law, ideally including experience in the defense or aerospace sector.
• US Citizenship is required.
• Requires the willingness to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior in-house counsel experience in the defense or government services industry.
• Experience working with classified or export-controlled programs (ITAR, EAR).
• Familiarity with cybersecurity requirements in government contracting (e.g., CMMC, NIST SP 800-171).
• Background in supporting international government contracts and FMS/Direct Commercial Sales.

Compensation Details

200-250K

The compensation range or hourly rate listed for this position is provided as a good‑faith estimate of what the company intends to offer for this role at the time this posting was issued. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits Overview

Our health and welfare benefits are designed to support you and your priorities. Offerings include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax‑saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara‑O’Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.

Original Posting

Amentum anticipates this job requisition will remain open for at least three days, with a closing date no earlier than three days after the original posting. This timeline may change based on business needs.

Amentum is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our hiring practices provide equal opportunity for employment without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or medical conditions related to pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding), age, ancestry, United States military or veteran status, color, religion, creed, marital or domestic partner status, medical condition, genetic information, national origin, citizenship status, low‑income status, or mental or physical disability so long as the essential functions of the job can be performed with or without reasonable accommodation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law. Learn more about your rights under Federal laws and supplemental language at Labor Laws Posters.