Senior Counsel (Government Contracts)

nLIGHT is a rapidly growing publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR).  nLIGHT is a global leader in high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, aerospace, and defense applications. nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems is developing rugged and compact laser weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in challenging Defense environments.  Headquartered in Camas, WA, nLIGHT employs over 1,000 people with operations in the U.S., China, and Finland.

Job Summary

nLIGHT is looking for a Senior Counsel (Government Contracts), reporting to nLIGHT’s General Counsel, to support the company’s rapidly growing government contracts portfolio.  The position would provide guidance and support to nLIGHT and nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, working closely with the business teams of both entities, from all aspects of pursuit, award, and administration of contracts with the US government. The position will be located in Camas, WA.  Remote option also would be considered.

Responsibilities include:

• Advises and provides legal support to senior management, sales and operational teams, human resources, and supply chain teams in pursuing business opportunities and negotiating and performing agreements with commercial and government entities in support of US government contracts (with both the US Government, Prime contractors, and suppliers/subcontractors).
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and other strategic contracts.
• Provides legal and strategic business advice to business partners on a wide variety of government contracts-related compliance matters, including compliance with the FAR and DFARs, anti-corruption, data privacy, cyber security, supplier certification, ITAR, IP rights, export matters, and other government contracting issues.
• Manages other legal team members in support of the company’s government contracting programs.
• Understands key stakeholder needs and develops solutions for maximum impact.
• Manages U.S. Government contracting compliance program, including development and implementation of compliance framework including assessment program and preparation of policies, procedures and other tools to enable compliant bidding and performance of contracts.
• Liaises with global external subject matter experts and outside counsel when necessary and acts as the interface between nLIGHT business teams and such experts and outside counsel.
• Assists and/or performs in any and all areas as assigned.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active state bar membership in good standing and ability to register in house counsel as necessary.
• 7-10 years of significant government contracts experience, preferably with some prior in house experience.
• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement (DFARs), and overall government contracting principles and requirements.
• Understanding of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
• Demonstrated understanding of US government data rights requirements and strategies for contracting, and related issues.
• Demonstrated ability to work across functions to provide timely and effective legal advice.
• Eligible to obtain and maintain a personal security clearance as necessary.
• Ability and willingness to travel up to 15% travel time.

Functional/Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Communicate effectively across functions and multiple management levels, regardless of colleagues’ experience with US government contracting.
• Federal business. Superior organizational, analytical and communication skills, oral and written.
• Commercial acumen – able to balance legal risk with business objectives with a solution- orientated mindset.
• Strategic thinker with excellent judgment as well and ability to see the "big picture.
• Possess superior organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple efforts with high priority deadlines.
• Demonstrated excellence at assessing risk and the implementation of proportional mitigation strategies.
• Sound personal skills and confidence, with an ability to work under own initiative, often under cost or time critical conditions.
• Proficient in working with diverse variety of people from different cultures and backgrounds.

nLIGHT is proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Starting pay depends on qualifications: $185,000 - $205,000 annually

Other Compensation and Benefits

• Target Cash Bonus of 10% of your wages
• Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants
• 3 weeks of Paid Time Off per year, increasing by 1 day each year up to 4 weeks
• 10 paid Holidays
• Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date
• Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting
• Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Aflac Supplemental Insurance
• Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Pet Insurance

nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status).

‍