General Counsel

Job Title General Counsel Job Family Legal Company Paligen Technologies Location Tampa, FL (on site) Job Summary Paligen Technologies, a leading aerospace and defense company, is seeking an experienced and strategic General Counsel (Corporate Counsel) to lead its Legal Department. This is an executive leadership role responsible for establishing and leading the direction of the legal department but also leading as a business partner on the executive team. The General Counsel must be a subject matter expert in their field, but just as important the General Counsel must be a strategic business partner and leader, adept at analyzing issues and risk in the context of business strategies and plans. We are looking for a highly capable dynamic leader that is responsive, solutions oriented, and visionary. The General Counsel will be responsible for overseeing all legal matters, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and providing strategic legal advice to the executive team. This role is critical in managing the legal aspects of government contracting, corporate governance, intellectual property, litigation management, real estate transactions, and regulatory compliance. It is desired for the General Counsel to have a strong background in defense contracting, including heavy manufacturing, strategic agreements, and legal department management. Key Responsibilities Legal Strategy & Leadership Actively participate in executive decision making and strategy Provide counsel to the executive leadership team on a wide range of legal issues including strategic initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, contracts, and other complex legal matters. Develop and execute the Company’s legal function and strategies to promote and protect its interests. Influence and support a culture of ethics and compliance across the business. Manage, develop, mentor, and inspire a high performing team of in‑house Legal professionals. Develop and maintain constructive relationships with external legal partners. Effectively manage outside legal counsel Government Contracting Oversee and manage all aspects of government contracting, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations to include FAR/DFARS, NISPOM, etc Advise on contract negotiations, bid protests, and contract disputes. Compliance & Risk Management Lead an effective compliance and risk management team by implementing the culture, the strategies, and tools commensurate with best practices excellence in the function Ensure the company’s operations comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including export and import, ITAR, BATFE, US Dept of State, and other regulatory compliance matters. Identify potential legal risks, develop mitigation strategies, and advise on risk management practices. Develop and implement policies and practices to mitigate legal risks and manage compliance programs. Corporate Governance Oversee corporate governance matters, including board meetings, corporate records, and shareholder communications. May present legal updates and key legal considerations. Ensure adherence to corporate policies and procedures. Intellectual Property Manage and protect the company’s intellectual property portfolio. Advise on IP strategy, including patents, trademarks, and licensing agreements. Litigation Management Oversee and manage all litigation matters, crafting and reviewing legal strategy, and working with outside counsel as necessary. Provide strategic direction on litigation strategy and settlement negotiations. Qualifications Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Admission to the Bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. A minimum of 15 years of legal experience in relevant corporate legal practice areas, including significant experience in government contracting. Executive leadership and strategic business experience In-depth knowledge of federal contracting regulations (FAR/DFARS), and related compliance issues, as well as experience with mergers and acquisitions, labor, real estate, and regulatory compliance (ITAR, BATFE, export/import, etc.). Proven experience in managing a high performing legal team, and ability to effectively work with and advise executive leadership and other stakeholders. Experience in government contract negotiations and litigation, including fact finding, creating compelling arguments, and knowledgeable in relevant state and federal laws and regulations. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans, manage complex projects, and drive results in a fast‑paced environment. Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to think strategically, but still balance the tactical aspects of function. Business acumen and understanding of the financial implications of legal decisions. Deep understanding of business operations and ability to translate legal complexities into practical business solutions. Experience in the aerospace and/or defense industry. Personal Attributes Ethics and professional judgment to navigate complex legal situations with integrity. Proactive and business‑savvy Solutions oriented Acts with a sense of controlled, confident urgency Timely Works collaboratively and demonstrates a can‑do attitude. Strong leadership and decision‑making skills. Excellent concise and relevant communication (interpersonal, speaking, and written), negotiation, collaboration, and influencing skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment with multiple projects and priorities. Other Requirements Travel: ~20% Work Environment: Office work environment Background Investigation / Drug Screen / US person: Required. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Plant City