Deputy General Counsel

About the role

Zeno Power is seeking an experienced Deputy General Counsel to act as a key legal partner as the company scales its government and commercial businesses. Reporting to the Chief Regulatory & Legal Officer, the role provides broad counsel on contracts, governance, fundraising, and compliance in a fast‑paced startup environment.

Key responsibilities

• Lead legal strategy for federal government and commercial contracts, including drafting, negotiating, and reviewing prime and subcontractor agreements, NDAs, CRADAs, OTAs, SBIR/STTR, and large procurement contracts.
• Develop and maintain scalable contracting policies, procedures, and compliance frameworks, working with paralegals and outside counsel.
• Support fundraising activities, investor negotiations, CFIUS considerations, and corporate governance documentation.
• Serve as Export Control Lead, creating ITAR and EAR compliance programs, licensing, training, and internal controls.
• Manage trade secret, CUI compliance, and related intellectual property policies.
• Provide practical legal guidance on personnel and employment matters to People & Culture and leadership.

Required profile

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in a U.S. state bar.
• 10+ years of relevant legal experience, including government and commercial contract drafting, FAR/DFARS application, and corporate governance.
• Proven ability to operate independently in a dynamic startup, assess risk, and communicate legal issues to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, and practical problem‑solving skills.

Required skills

• FAR and DFARS contract compliance
• ITAR and EAR export‑control regulations
• CFIUS review and compliance
• Trade secret management
• CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) compliance