General Counsel

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 executive leadership role will establish and lead the legal function while partnering strategically with the executive team. The General Counsel will oversee all legal matters, ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations, and providing strategic legal advice on government contracting, corporate governance, intellectual property, litigation, real estate transactions, and regulatory compliance. A strong background in defense contracting, including heavy manufacturing, strategic agreements, and legal department management, is desired.

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, acquisitions, contracts, and other complex 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 in‑house legal team; 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 (FAR/DFARS, NISPOM, etc.)
• Advise on contract negotiations, bid protests, and contract disputes

Compliance & Risk Management

• Lead an effective compliance and risk management team, implementing culture, strategies, and tools aligned with best practices
• Ensure operations comply with all relevant laws and regulations, including export and import, ITAR, BATFE, U.S. Department of State, and other regulatory 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 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
• 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)
• Proven experience managing a high‑performing legal team and effectively advising executive leadership and stakeholders
• Experience in government contract negotiations and litigation, including fact‑finding, creating compelling arguments, and knowledge of relevant 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 a strategic mindset while balancing tactical aspects of the 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 / U.S. 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.

Equal employment opportunity, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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