Legal Counsel, Subcontracts and Supply Chain

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: [ Video Link]