Director Defense Contracts, Legal Counsel

Job TitlePrimary Legal Counsel for U.S. Government ContractingJob DescriptionServe 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.Education & ExperienceBA or BS in business or related field preferred; experience in FARs, DFARs, defense contracting, CMMC. Juris Doctorate. 12+ years legal experience. Experience working in a public company in the defense or related sector preferred.SkillsAdvanced knowledge of international trade regulations including FARs, DFARs, defense contracting, CMMC, etc. Ability to communicate effectively, both oral and written. Individual must possess strong organizational, multitasking, and problem-solving skills and maintain flexibility in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment. Customer service oriented with both internal and external customers. Individual must be proficient with Microsoft Office products & a PC based environment. Interact and communicate effectively with others and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.Working ConditionsWorking conditions typical of a climate controlled and professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.Physical RequirementsOnsite / Hybrid work. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.Safety RequirementsAll employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.Quality and Environmental ResponsibilitiesDepending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.Culture CommitmentEnsure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:Integrity – Create an Environment of TrustCollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of IdeasAccountability – Own the Process and the OutcomeRespect – Recognize the Value in EveryoneEnthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in WorkCoherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at UsCoherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us! Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.Job InfoJob Identification . Posting Date 05/28/2026, 08:54 PM. Degree Level Bachelor's Degree. Job Schedule Full time. Locations 401 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20004, US (Hybrid). Pay Scale $183,865 - $254,430 per year.