Associate General Counsel, A&D

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 Texas

* 7+ 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-set

Why 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.