Corporate Attorney

Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.

This role provides corporate legal expertise that strengthens governance, supports securities-law compliance, and enables efficient execution of mergers and acquisitions and other strategic initiatives. You will partner closely with senior management, the Board of Directors, finance, investor relations, and business leaders to deliver practical legal solutions that support operational and business objectives in a dynamic, fast‑paced public‑company environment.

Responsibilities

• Advises senior leaders, executive officers, the Board of Directors, and Board committees on corporate governance matters.
• Supports preparation of Board and committee materials including agendas, resolutions, minutes, written consents, and governance documentation.
• Maintains and improves corporate governance policies, procedures, guidelines, committee charters, and related materials.
• Advises on fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest, related‑party considerations, director and officer matters, and governance obligations.
• Supports annual meeting activities, director elections, stockholder proposals, governance disclosures, and proxy‑related processes.
• Prepares, reviews, and supports filing of Forms 10‑K, 10‑Q, 8‑K, proxy statements, registration statements, and other U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings.
• Advises on Regulation Fair Disclosure (FD), insider‑trading compliance, disclosure controls and procedures, Section 16 reporting, and other securities‑law requirements.
• Coordinates with Finance, Accounting, Investor Relations, and external securities counsel regarding public‑company disclosures.
• Reviews earnings releases, investor presentations, and other external communications for securities‑law compliance and disclosure accuracy.
• Supports SEC and Nasdaq compliance matters and monitors developments in applicable securities laws and regulations.
• Leads or supports legal aspects of mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, strategic investments, and other corporate transactions.
• Manages due diligence, evaluates legal and regulatory risks, and coordinates review efforts with internal stakeholders and outside counsel.
• Drafts, reviews, and negotiates transaction documents including letters of intent, purchase agreements, disclosure schedules, ancillary agreements, and closing documents.
• Coordinates transaction execution, including approvals, signing and closing activities, integration support, and public‑company disclosures.
• Provides day‑to‑day legal guidance on corporate and commercial matters.
• Manages outside counsel efficiently and determines appropriate allocation of internal and external legal resources.
• Conducts legal research and delivers concise, practical recommendations to senior leaders.
• Develops and improves processes, templates, and playbooks that strengthen corporate‑legal operations.

Required Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Admission in good standing to at least one U.S. state bar and ability to qualify as in‑house counsel in the applicable jurisdiction.
• At least five years of relevant legal experience, preferably combining both law‑firm and in‑house work.
• Experience with U.S. public‑company corporate governance and SEC reporting requirements.
• Experience supporting or leading mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, or other strategic transactions.
• Knowledge of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, SEC disclosure requirements, and public‑company governance principles.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, analytical, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently and exercise sound judgment in a deadline‑driven environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting a Nasdaq‑listed or other publicly traded company.
• Experience in a regulated industry such as aerospace, defense, technology, manufacturing, or government contracting.
• Experience with SEC comment letters, registration statements, securities offerings, or capital‑markets transactions.
• Experience advising Boards of Directors and Board committees.
• Experience with acquisition integration and post‑closing corporate restructuring.
• Prior in‑house experience managing outside counsel and significant corporate projects.

This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Company‑paid life and AD\&D insurance
• Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement

Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.