About Forterra
Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.
About the role
We"re looking for a Head of Legal to serve as the company's top legal executive--a strategic partner to the leadership team and a hands-on leader for our growing legal team. This role requires someone comfortable sitting at the exec table as well as someone able to dig into the details when needed. You'll drive high-value legal strategy, lead company-defining transactions, oversee a top-notch legal team, and grow and shape a strong, business-aligned legal culture.
What you"ll do
- Strategic Legal Partner: Advise the CEO and executive team on risk, strategy, and legal posture across all major company initiatives
- Corporate Transactions: Lead legal aspects of M&A, corporate structuring, equity financings, and joint ventures
- Team Leadership: Manage and mentor in-house counsel supporting general legal needs and contracts/growth; determine when/where to expand team or engage outside counsel
- Government Contracts & Compliance: Oversee legal support for our prime and sub work across DoD/Federal agencies; ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS, OTAs, SBIRs, etc.
- Export & Regulatory: Own company posture on ITAR, EAR, and classified compliance, and work closely with Security and Engineering teams
- IP & Licensing: Ensure defensibility of our autonomy stack, manage IP strategy, and negotiate license agreements that protect core assets
- Commercial Agreements: Set standards for commercial contracts and support negotiations with key customers and vendors
- Litigation, Employment, & Risk: Manage any active or potential disputes; advise on employment law and internal investigations as needed
- Policy & Government Relations Support: Provide legal review and guidance on policy positions, lobbying efforts, and congressional or agency engagement
- Scale the Function: Optimize internal legal processes, build scalable systems, and maintain an agile approach to resourcing as we grow
- Board & Governance: Serve as corporate secretary and advise on board governance, investor relations, and fiduciary duties; support board and committee operations.
- Classified & Security Program Oversight: Partner with FSO and Security team to ensure legal alignment with classified program requirements, insider threat policies, and NISPOM obligations.
- Legal Risk & Strategic Scenario Planning: Lead internal legal risk assessments related to growth, market entry, and geopolitical exposure; model legal posture under stress or crisis scenarios.
- Cross-Border Strategy: Support the structuring and review of international sales, partnerships, and regulatory clearance processes (e.g., FMS, DCS, CFIUS).
- ESG & Ethics Oversight: Oversee ethics reporting channels, ensure compliance with company values and applicable anti-corruption laws (FCPA, UK Bribery Act).
Qualifications
- JD and active bar admission in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
- 10–15+ years of experience across top-tier law firm and in-house roles
- Deep knowledge of government contracts, export controls (ITAR/EAR), and dual-use commercial/government tech
- Demonstrated success leading legal support for M&A, financings, and complex commercial transactions
- Experience managing and mentoring legal team members in a fast-paced environment
- Clear, practical communication style and a business-first mindset
- Ability to zoom in and out: get into the details when needed, but always drive toward bigger strategic outcomes
- Diplomacy & Discretion in High-Pressure Situations: Comfort navigating issues involving U.S. government, regulators, or international counterparties with maturity and precision.
- Must be eligible for a U.S. security clearance.
Nice to Haves
- Prior General Council or comparable at a venture-backed company strongly preferred
- Experience with Dual-Use Technology or Defense Innovation Ecosystem
- Experience working with DIU, SOF units, FVEY programs, or understanding of how commercial autonomy stacks integrate into defense CONOPs
- Prior exposure to classified work and experience managing classified initiatives a plus
The salary for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra's overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:
- Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
- Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
- Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
- A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
- A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
- Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
- 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.
Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.
Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain. All qualified applications will receive equal consideration for employment.
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