Assistant General Counsel, Government Contracts

Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security, and sustainability.

About the role

This role leads legal advisory services and strategic guidance for business lines within a $6B business group, serving as a trusted advisor to business line and program leaders. The position reports to the Vice President, Associate General Counsel, Government Contracts. US Citizenship is required. This is a hybrid role; when on-site, you will report to our Reston, VA office.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal advice on all aspects of U.S. federal government contracts, including FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific regulations for contract formation, negotiation, performance, modification, compliance, and closeout.
• Provide legal risk assessments for bids, proposals, and ongoing contracts.
• Advise on cost allowability, contract claims/disputes, contract terminations, and bid protests.
• Oversee the negotiation of teaming agreements, NDAs, subcontracts, and other related agreements.
• Assist in responding to government audits, investigations, and inquiries, including from the DCAA, DCMA, and OIG.
• Support internal compliance programs, training, and policy development related to government contracting.
• Engage, coordinate, and manage outside counsel, including developing case strategy.
• Provide analysis and responses to legislative developments, public and industry inquiries.
• Provide expertise on questions of corporate authority to engage in various transactions.
• Collaborate with contracts, finance, procurement, and program teams to ensure alignment with legal and regulatory obligations.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 7-10 years of relevant experience in government contracts law, ideally including experience in the defense or aerospace sector.
• US Citizenship is required.
• Willingness to obtain/maintain a security clearance.

Skills

• Strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and other federal procurement regulations.
• Experience with government contract disputes, claims, and bid protests.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to anticipate, minimize, and effectively manage legal risks facing the company.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior in-house counsel experience in the defense or government services industry.
• Experience working with classified or export-controlled programs (ITAR, EAR).
• Familiarity with cybersecurity requirements in government contracting (e.g., CMMC, NIST SP 800-171).
• Background in supporting international government contracts and FMS/Direct Commercial Sales.

Pay

$200,000–$250,000. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as job responsibilities, education, experience, skills, internal equity, market data, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and relevant laws.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• Retirement benefits (including 401(k) matching)
• Educational reimbursement
• Parental leave
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Tax-saving options
• Disability and life insurance
• Pet insurance

Note: Benefits may vary based on employment type, location, and applicable agreements. Positions governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), or other employment contracts may include different provisions/benefits.