Legal Counsel

General Counsel, US

Location: Washington, DC

Description

Kela is a defense technology company pioneering a new model for the defense industry — built on openness, modularity, speed, and delivering real operational impact. We combine cutting-edge technology with deep operational expertise and close collaboration with defense stakeholders.

We are seeking a General Counsel to serve as the legal foundation of Kela Defense US. This is a rare opportunity to build and lead a legal function from the ground up inside a fast-moving, mission-driven defense technology company. You will work directly with the President and Head of US Operations to navigate the full spectrum of legal challenges that come with scaling a truly global defense company in the US market: from government contracting and ITAR compliance to commercial agreements, IP strategy, and corporate transactions.

This is not a role for someone who wants to manage an established department. It is for a builder. Someone who thrives in ambiguity, moves quickly, and wants their fingerprints on the legal infrastructure of a company that is reshaping how the defense industry operates.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the President and Head of US Operations on day-to-day legal matters, providing timely and practical counsel across all business functions.
• Autonomy and drive to build and scale Kela's US legal department, developing processes, policies, and infrastructure from scratch. Collaborate with the Israeli GC to coordinate global initiatives.
• Lead all government contracting matters, including FAR/DFARS compliance, OTAs, proposal reviews, teaming agreements, and engagement with DoW and other federal agencies.
• Own Kela's ITAR and export control compliance program, ensuring all US activities — including vendor relationships, technology transfers, and international engagements — are fully compliant with applicable trade regulations.
• Lead the process to obtain a Facility Clearance (FCL) and oversee FOCI mitigation planning and implementation for Kela Defense US.
• Lead the process to obtain CMMC Level 2 Compliance and ensure implementation of
• Kela Defense US’ cybersecurity and IT compliance strategy.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements with US stakeholders, including
• B2B sales contracts, teaming and collaboration agreements, NDAs, and licensing arrangements.
• Oversee IP strategy and protection, including patents, trade secrets, and the management of IP in the context of government contracts. This will include importing select IP from Israel.
• Support M&A activity and other corporate transactions arising in the US, including due diligence, deal structuring, and integration.
• Manage and coordinate with outside counsel as needed across relevant practice areas.

Requirements

• Citizenship: Must be a US Citizen.
• Security Clearance: Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a US Security Clearance.
• JD from an accredited law school; active bar membership in at least one US state.
• 7+ years of legal experience spanning both government and private sector roles.
• Deep familiarity with ITAR, EAR, and US export control regulations.
• Hands-on experience with government contracting, OTAs, FAR/DFARS, and federal acquisition processes.
• Demonstrated ability to operate independently, prioritize across competing demands, and deliver high-quality work under time pressure.
• Generalist mindset — comfortable moving across practice areas without needing to hand off every new problem to a specialist.
• Strong communicator and business judgement, with the ability to translate complex legal risk into clear, actionable guidance for non-lawyers and weigh the commercial implications.

Nice to Have

• Active Security Clearance (Secret or Top Secret).
• Prior in-house experience at a defense technology, aerospace, or dual-use technology company.
• Experience with FOCI mitigation and FCL processes.
• Exposure to M&A transactions in a defense or government contracting context.
• Familiarity with SBIR/STTR programs and other defense innovation funding mechanisms.
• Experience building or leading a legal function in a startup or high-growth environment.