Senior Counsel, Government & Commercial Contracts

About the role

Zeno Power is looking for a senior attorney to lead U.S. government contracting matters as the company moves from R&D to commercial deployment. Reporting to the Chief Regulatory & Legal Officer, the counsel will advise across DoD, DOE, NASA and other federal programs while shaping the legal infrastructure for a fast‑growing national‑security and energy‑technology business.

Key responsibilities

• Serve as lead counsel for federal government and commercial contracts, developing legal strategy and negotiating agreements such as prime contracts, subcontracts, CRADAs, OTAs and SBIR/STTR deals.
• Create and maintain contracting playbooks, policies, and compliance frameworks for FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR and agency‑specific requirements.
• Advise internal teams on export‑control, trade‑secret, CUI and cybersecurity compliance, and support patent and IP disclosure processes.
• Partner with business development and program teams to evaluate new federal opportunities, support proposal development and manage contract administration through closeout.
• Oversee outside counsel on specialized regulatory and IP matters as needed.

Required profile

• Juris Doctor from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
• 8+ years of experience drafting and negotiating U.S. government and commercial contracts, with deep knowledge of FAR and DFARS.
• Proven ability to operate independently in a dynamic startup environment and translate legal risk for technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Required skills

• FAR and DFARS compliance expertise.
• ITAR/EAR export‑control knowledge.
• CUI and trade‑secret management.
• Contract drafting and negotiation.

What we offer

• Salary range $220,000‑$265,000 per year plus stock options.
• Flexible paid time off, 401(k) match, 16 weeks paid family leave and comprehensive health benefits.
• Relocation assistance, transit benefits, professional development resources and a dog‑friendly office.