Senior Legal Counsel

Job Description:

Saab, Inc. is seeking an experienced and business-oriented Senior Legal Counsel to join our in-house legal team. The ideal candidate will have 8+ years of post-qualification experience, with a strong preference for candidates from the aerospace and defense sector. This role requires a strategic thinker who can provide pragmatic legal advice across a broad range of matters, including commercial contracts, regulatory compliance, and employment law.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1. Commercial & Contractual Matters

• Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of commercial agreements, including teaming agreements, licensing agreements, and collaboration agreements.

• Provide legal support and guidance to government contracts specialists.

• Support complex, high-value transactions, particularly within regulated environments.

• Advise internal stakeholders on contractual rights, obligations, and risk mitigation strategies.

2. Regulatory & Compliance

• Provide guidance on applicable laws and regulations, particularly those relevant to the aerospace and defense sector.

• Ensure ongoing compliance with local and international legal frameworks.

• Develop and implement internal compliance policies and training programs.

3. Employment Law

• Advise HR and management on employment-related matters, including hiring, terminations, disciplinary actions, and workplace investigations.

• Draft and review employment contracts, policies, and employee handbooks.

• Manage employment disputes and coordinate with external counsel when necessary.

4. Corporate Governance

• Support corporate governance activities.

• Ensure compliance with corporate policies and statutory requirements.

• Assist with corporate structuring, entity management, and internal approvals.

5. Risk Management & Dispute Resolution

• Identify legal risks and provide proactive solutions to minimize exposure.

• Manage disputes, claims, and litigation in coordination with external counsel.

• Support internal investigations and crisis management when required.

6. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with business, supply chain, HR, finance, government affairs, and communications teams.

• Provide clear, actionable legal advice aligned with business objectives.

• Contribute to strategic decision-making as a trusted legal advisor.

• Limited domestic and international travel, as needed.

Compensation Range: $132,000 - $171,600

The compensation range provided is a general guideline. When extending an offer, Saab, Inc. considers factors including (but not limited to) the role and associated responsibilities, location, and market and business considerations, as well as the candidate's work experience, key skills, and education/training.

Skills and Experience:

Required Qualifications:

• Law degree (J.D. or equivalent) and admission to practice in a relevant jurisdiction, preferably in NY, or ability to obtain NY in-house certification.

• 8+ years of legal experience, ideally with a mix of law firm and in-house exposure.

• Demonstrated experience in commercial contracting and regulatory compliance.

• Working knowledge of employment law.

• Motivated self-starter, with strong legal, interpersonal, sound judgment, and communication skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced business environment.

• Familiarity with international operations and cross-border legal issues.

• High level of integrity and professionalism.

• Ability to operate independently while collaborating within a team environment.

• Excellent drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills.

• Proven budget management skills.

• Self-supporting with ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote, as well as cloud-based tools such as OneDrive and Teams.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in Aerospace and Defense or similar industries.

• Strong influencing skills.

• 3+ years of experience practicing employment law, ideally with a combination of law firm and/or in-house experience.

• Strong business acumen.

• Experience in change management, project management, business process management, or system implementation.

• Experience with in-house technology and matter management tools.

Citizenship Requirements:

Must be a U.S. citizen. Applicants selected may be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

Drug-Free Workplaces:

Saab is a federal government contractor and adheres to policies and programs necessary for sustaining drug-free workplaces. As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.

Benefits:

Saab provides an excellent working environment offering professional growth opportunities, competitive wages, work-life balance, a business casual atmosphere and comprehensive benefits.

Highlights include:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance for employees and dependents

• Generous paid time off, including 8 designated holidays

• 401(k) with employer contributions

• Tuition assistance and student loan assistance

• Wellness and employee assistance resources

• Employee stock purchase opportunities

• Short-term and long-term disability coverage

About Us:

Saab is a leading defense and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. In the U.S., Saab delivers advanced technology and systems, supporting the U.S. Armed Forces and the Federal Aviation Administration, as well as international and commercial partners. Headquartered in Syracuse, New York, the company has business units and local employees in ten U.S. locations.

Saab is a company where we see diversity as an asset and offer unlimited opportunities for advancing in your career. We are also a company that respects each person’s needs and encourage employees to lead a balanced, rewarding life beyond work. Saab values diversity and is an Affirmative Action employer for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Saab is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, veteran, disability status, or any other federal, state, or locally protected category.