Counsel, Commercial Contracts (Supply Chain & Technology) at Saronic Technologies

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. The Commercial Contracts Counsel will serve as the company’s primary legal advisor for all supply-chain-related contracting matters, responsible for reviewing, negotiating, and managing commercial agreements that support the development, manufacturing, and sustainment of autonomous naval platforms. This attorney will play a central role in standardizing procurement-related contracting processes, mitigating supply chain risks, and ensuring alignment with government contracting requirements. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in commercial contract negotiation, experience with defense-industry supply chains, and fluency in both software and hardware development considerations. This role requires exceptional judgment, the ability to partner effectively across engineering, operations, supply chain, and business development, and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset. This is a high-impact role at the intersection of advanced technology, national security, and rapid operational scaling. The Commercial Contracts Counsel will help shape the company’s commercial contracting posture, strengthen supplier partnerships, and ensure the legal foundation necessary to deliver autonomous naval systems that meet urgent defense needs. Key Responsibilities: • Commercial Contract Review & Negotiation • Lead negotiation and drafting of a wide range of commercial contracts, including supplier agreements, licensing and technology agreements, manufacturing services agreements, OEM/ODM arrangements, NDAs, and subcontractor terms. • Coordinate with Legal team and internal stakeholders to execute strategies for contract risk, intellectual property rights, data rights, warranties, indemnities, limitation of liability, export controls, and product assurance. • Supply Chain Legal Leadership • Serve as the primary legal partner to the Supply Chain and Operations teams. • Review complex supply chain structures involving hardware, software, integrated systems, and naval vessel components. • Advise on vendor qualification, product sourcing strategies, commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) procurement, and flow-downs. • Support mitigation of supply chain risks, including sole-source components, long-lead items, supplier financial health, and technology-control considerations. • Process Standardization & Contract Systems • Establish and maintain a standardized contract review, approval, and documentation process that scales with rapid company growth. • Develop playbooks, fallback positions, templates, clause libraries, and negotiation guidance for cross-functional partners. • Implement or enhance contract lifecycle management (CLM) tools to drive efficiency, version control, and compliance. • Promote organizational understanding of key contracting principles and company policies. • Cross-Functional Counseling • Advise engineering, program management, procurement, and executive leadership on legal issues that arise in product development and naval vessel integration. • Support resolution of contract disputes, supplier performance issues, regulatory inquiries, and claims. Required Qualifications: • J.D. from an accredited law school; member in good standing of a U.S. state bar. • 10+ years of experience in commercial contract negotiation, preferably with a mix of law firm and in-house roles. • Demonstrated expertise in drafting and negotiating complex supplier agreements, licensing terms, and technology development arrangements. • Strong knowledge of government contracting flow-down requirements, FAR/DFARS standards, and supply chain compliance considerations. • Familiarity with software licensing models, SaaS/on-prem hybrid architectures, and IP/data rights issues. • Experience advising on maritime, naval, aerospace, or other hardware-intensive engineering programs. • Ability to operate in a dynamic, fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills. Preferred Qualifications: • Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up and production supply chains. • Exposure to autonomous systems, robotics, or defense technology development. • Prior work in a startup or high-growth company environment. • Experience with contract lifecycle management systems and process-improvement initiatives. Physical Demands: • Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. • Occasional standing and walking within the office. • Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment. • Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports. • Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies. • Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages). Benefits: Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company’s success Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require “U.S. Person” status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a “U.S. Person”: (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).  Saronic does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other reason prohibited by law in provision of employment opportunities and benefits.