Associate Counsel - Aerospace​/Defense​/Regulatory

Smith is the leading independent distributor of electronic components globally, supporting mission-critical supply chains across aerospace, defense, and advanced technology industries.

As a trusted partner to government and defense organizations, we operate at the intersection of global commerce, regulatory complexity, and national security. We are seeking a Corporate Attorney with deep experience in aerospace and defense contracting to play a high-impact role advising leadership, shaping compliance strategy, and supporting complex global transactions.

This role serves as a key legal advisor on government contracting, defense-related sales/procurement and export controls. You will partner cross-functionally with business, compliance, and supply chain teams to enable growth while managing regulatory risk in a dynamic, global environment.

Responsibilities As a Defense Logistics Agency qualified supplier among more than a dozen other certifications and accreditations, you will be contributing to the team that ensures we exceed industry standards and customer expectations.

You will serve as a strategic legal partner on government and defense contracting matters.

Advise on FAR/DFARS compliance, subcontracting, and sales strategy

Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex government and commercial agreements

Interpret and provide guidance on ITAR, export controls, rated orders and DoD regulations

Identify and proactively mitigate legal and compliance risks impacting business operations

Develop and enhance scalable compliance frameworks and policies

Partner with leadership to support growth initiatives within aerospace and defense sectors

Working with the Sales organization you will draft, review and negotiate purchasing, sales and other government and commercial agreements, with focus on military and defense related procurements

Deliver training and thought leadership on regulatory requirements to internal stakeholders

Conduct legal research on regulatory requirements, government contracts and subcontracts

Develop and implement risk mitigation and compliance framework for the military and defense group

Qualifications

J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership. Eligible for licensure as in-house counsel in Texas7+ years of relevant experience in government contracts, aerospace & defense, or export controls

Strong working knowledge of ITAR, DPAS, FAR, DFARS, and U.S. export regulations

Experience advising business stakeholders in a fast-paced, commercial environment preferred

Proven ability to balance legal risk with business objectives

Ability to interact with multiple levels in an organization and in multiple jurisdictions

Ability to work effectively with global legal and compliance teams, with an international mind-setWhy Join Smith?

Work at the forefront of aerospace, defense, and advanced technology supply chains

High visibility role with opportunity to influence business strategy and compliance programs

Collaborative, global environment with cross-functional exposure

Competitive compensation, performance incentives, and comprehensive benefits

A culture that values innovation, accountability, and continuous growth

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic overachievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Smith is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.#LI-AK1

We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
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