Legal Counsel

ABOUT KRAKEN KINETICS

Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges.

Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY™ when it matters most.

Kraken Kinetics is seeking Legal Counsel, Subcontracts and Supply Chain to own subcontracting, ensuring the terms of our government contracts and subcontracts, ensuring required FAR/DFARS flow-down terms and sound commercial terms are properly incorporated into our supplier and manufacturer agreements. As Kraken rapidly scales, this role will partner closely with Supply Chain and Program Management to ensure contractual obligations, flowdowns, and risk allocation carry through consistently to our suppliers. You'll be drafting and negotiating our subcontracts and supplier agreements day to day, as well as building the templates and playbooks that let Supply Chain and the subcontracting team handle routine agreements themselves.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and administer a high volume of supplier and vendor-facing agreements — subcontracts, statements of work, purchase orders (POs), master supply/services agreements, teaming agreements, and amendments — with speed, precision, and a bias toward closing.

• Review prime contracts, customer POs, OTAs, and program agreements to identify obligations that must flow down, and map and maintain FAR/DFARS/OTA flowdown requirements across the supply base.

• Negotiate scope, pricing, IP and data rights, indemnities, liability, insurance, and termination terms that appropriately allocate legal and commercial risk.

• Partner directly with Supply Chain, Program Management, Engineering, Finance, and Business Development to avoid deal delays and support timely program execution.

• Partner with the Export Compliance Officer on ITAR/EAR, sanctions, customs, and sourcing restrictions (e.g., domestic preference, counterfeit parts, specialty metals) as applied to subcontracts.

• Develop and maintain supplier-facing representations and certifications in coordination with Legal, Supply Chain, and Finance.

• Build and continuously improve playbooks, templates, clause libraries, and self-service tools so business partners can handle routine contracting independently.

• Support supplier disputes, performance issues, claims, and corrective actions.

• Brief the Head of Legal and company leadership on material risks, negotiation positions, and issues requiring executive decision-making.

• Establish, refine, and scale subcontracting legal processes and standard operating procedures as Kraken grows.

REQUIREMENTS

• JD from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.

• Minimum 5 years of relevant experience with a strong transactional focus on subcontracts, procurement, supply chain, commercial contracts, or government contracts.

• Direct, hands-on experience analyzing and implementing FAR/DFARS flowdowns, representations and certifications, and other government-contracting compliance requirements.

• Demonstrated ability to manage a high volume of agreements, prioritize competing demands, and drive transactions to timely closure.

• Experience working with or supporting a defense manufacturer, government contractor, aerospace company, prime contractor, or Tier 1/Tier 2 subcontractor.

• Sound judgment and the ability to provide concise, actionable recommendations to stakeholders and company leadership.

• Ability to operate independently, take ownership of matters, and demonstrate initiative in a fast-moving, ambiguous, growth-stage environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits included:

• Generous PTO policy

• Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents).

• Vision & dental (100% company-paid)

• Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid)

• Generous 401(k) retirement plan

• Company-paid life insurance

• Great teammates and well stocked snacks

LIFE IN MOORE COUNTY, NC (PINEHURST AREA)

Kraken Kinetics is based in Moore County, North Carolina, home to Pinehurst, a nationally recognized destination offering an exceptional quality of life.

Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh-Durham.

Whether you're looking to accelerate your career or put down long-term roots, the Pinehurst area offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech and defense hubs.

We are committed to supporting relocation for the right candidates.

Watch what it’s like to live here:
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Kraken Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants of all backgrounds.