Sr. Principal Counsel - Federal Contracts

Sr. Principal Counsel - Federal Contracts

We are seeking a highly experienced Sr. Principal Counsel to join our legal team, specializing in federal government contracts with significant experience in National Security, Department of Defense (DoD) contracting and compliance with DoD regulations. This role is ideal for a legal professional with deep expertise in navigating complex acquisition frameworks, classified contracting, and regulatory risk in high-stakes environments.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead legal strategy and provide expert counsel on federal contracting matters, including FAR/DFARS compliance, bid protests, contract formation, execution, and dispute resolution, with enterprise-level impact.
• Serve as a strategic legal advisor across business development, program management, compliance, and finance, driving alignment and risk mitigation in support of organizational goals.
• Oversee and guide the review of solicitations, contracts, and modifications for DoD and federal agencies, ensuring legal integrity and strategic alignment.
• Lead complex negotiations of contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and other legal instruments, representing the organization in high-stakes engagements.
• Provide strategic legal guidance on National Security-related contracting issues, including ITAR, EAR, CUI, and cybersecurity obligations, influencing enterprise compliance posture.
• Direct legal risk management for classified and sensitive programs, partnering with security and compliance leadership to ensure regulatory adherence and operational continuity.
• Lead proactive monitoring and interpretation of federal procurement law, National Security regulations, and DoD policy, advising senior leadership on implications and strategic response.

Minimum Requirements:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to one or more State Bars is required.
• 8+ years of relevant professional experience required.

Additional Minimum Requirements:

• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in federal government contracts law, with at least 5 years focused on DoD and National Security matters.
• Deep knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and other federal acquisition regulations including FAR Part 12.
• Experience with classified contracts, facility clearance issues, and all aspects of export controls (ITAR/EAR) policy development, operations, including jurisdiction and classification, licensing, management, oversight and monitoring as well as record-keeping, compliance, reporting and training.
• Experience with Small Business Administration (SBA) programs and reporting requirements.
• Experience with General Services Administration (GSA) acquisitions and strategic partnerships including Joint Ventures.
• Strong understanding of cybersecurity requirements in federal contracting.
• Proven ability to manage complex legal issues in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and analytical skills.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience as in-house counsel or with a law firm serving defense contractors.
• Familiarity with bid protests before GAO or the Court of Federal Claims.
• TS/SCI clearance or eligibility preferred.

EEO Statement:

Maximus is an equal opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics.

Pay Transparency:

Maximus compensation is based on various factors including but not limited to job location, a candidate's education, training, experience, expected quality and quantity of work, required travel (if any), external market and internal value analysis including seniority and merit systems, as well as internal pay alignment. Annual salary is just one component of Maximus's total compensation package. Other rewards may include short- and long-term incentives as well as program-specific awards. Additionally, Maximus provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and paid time off. Compensation ranges may differ based on contract value but will be commensurate with job duties and relevant work experience. An applicant's salary history will not be used in determining compensation. Maximus will comply with regulatory minimum wage rates and exempt salary thresholds in all instances.

Minimum Salary: $166,430.00

Maximum Salary: $225,170.00