Deputy General Counsel
Boston, NH - USA
Job Summary
You are comfortable operating with autonomy in a fast-paced highly regulated and technically sophisticated environment exercising sound judgment under time pressure and building repeatable legal processes alongside a small but growing team. You are energized by the challenge of constructing the commercial and transactional legal infrastructure for a pioneering autonomous aviation company.
Responsibilities:
Partner closely with the Chief Legal Officer to lead the companys legal strategy and day-to-day execution across a public company environment.
Lead M&A transactions joint ventures and other strategic initiatives from term sheet through closing including diligence drafting and negotiating definitive agreements and coordinating outside counsel. Support the CLO on capital markets transactions as needed.
Lead key regulatory and compliance efforts particularly within aerospace aviation and autonomous systems frameworks and support the ongoing development of global compliance programs including ethics anti-corruption and insider trading policies.
Own day-to-day commercial legal activities serving as the primary point of contact for inbound contract requests from the business and independently drafting and negotiating teaming agreements technology licenses NDAs and other commercial agreements; partner with and support government contracts professionals in connection with government prime contracts and subcontracts (including FAR/DFARS compliance)
Manage and mentor members of the legal team oversee strategic consultants (including advisors engaged in support of business development government affairs and other external-facing initiatives) and coordinate external counsel to ensure high-quality efficient legal support.
Support the CLO on public company securities law and corporate governance matters including SEC reporting Regulation FD compliance and Board and committee work working alongside the supporting paralegal on governance processes with a meaningful opportunity to develop depth in these areas over time.
Qualifications:
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
8 years of legal experience including a combination of top-tier law firm and in-house experience with meaningful in-house exposure to a publicly traded or high-growth company.
Demonstrated ability to independently lead M&A transactions and complex commercial negotiations including drafting and redlining definitive agreements with limited outside counsel support.
Comfort advising executive leadership and working collaboratively in a lean legal function where ownership and initiative are expected.
Experience drafting and negotiating a broad range of commercial agreements including teaming agreements government subcontracts technology licenses and strategic partnership arrangements.
Background in highly regulated industries such as aerospace aviation defense or advanced technology.
Strong business acumen with the ability to balance legal risk with practical outcomes.
Excellent communication organizational and leadership skills with strong attention to detail.
Nice to Have:
Prior experience in a Deputy General Counsel or senior legal leadership role at a public company.
Working familiarity with FAA certification processes ITAR/EAR export controls and/or government contracting under FAR/DFARS frameworks.
Experience supporting capital markets transactions (follow-on equity offerings PIPEs convertible notes) in a supporting role alongside a lead securities attorney.
Experience with cross-border transactions or international commercial arrangements.
Experience advising leadership with respect to government affairs lobbying and strategic consultants.
Background in managing global legal and compliance frameworks.
About Company
Merlin is the aviation technology company propelling the future of fully autonomous flight.