Job Overview

This is a senior-level, high-impact role for a seasoned attorney with deep expertise in maritime law and the regulatory frameworks that govern naval operations and autonomous platforms at sea. The successful candidate will partner directly with executive leadership, government affairs, business development, and engineering teams to shape company strategy, advise on complex transactions and treaty-implicating issues, and ensure that Saronic operates at the highest standard of legal and ethical rigor across every theater in which we deploy.

Responsibilities

• Maritime, Regulatory & Operational Law
  • Serve as the company's principal legal authority on U.S. and international maritime law, including the law of the sea, freedom of navigation, port state and flag state requirements, and the regulatory regimes administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, IMO, and equivalent foreign authorities.
  • Advise on the legal frameworks governing autonomous and uncrewed surface vessels, including operational testing, sea trials, and deployment in U.S. and international waters.
  • Provide legal counsel on rules of engagement, operational law, and the law of armed conflict as Saronic platforms support naval and joint-force missions.
  • Develop and maintain compliance programs covering environmental law, maritime safety, and incident response.
• International Engagement & Treaty Matters
  • Represent Saronic's interests in international engagements with allied governments, foreign militaries, and multilateral bodies.
  • Advise on bilateral agreements, foreign sales, technology transfer, and the legal frameworks underpinning international partnerships.
  • Support the company's global expansion by navigating the maritime, defense, and export-control regimes of partner nations.
• Executive Advising & Strategic Leadership
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board on legal, regulatory, and geopolitical risk.
  • Provide crisis management and rapid legal response for high-visibility operational incidents.
  • Partner with cross-functional leaders (engineering, operations, business development, finance, HR) to embed sound legal judgment across the organization.
  • Manage external counsel relationships for specialized matters.
  • Provide training to internal stakeholders on maritime, regulatory, and compliance best practices.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive legal experience advising executive-level leadership on maritime, international, or national security law (government, military, in-house, or top-tier law firm).
• Juris Doctor and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
• Demonstrated expertise in maritime law, the international law of the sea, freedom-of-navigation frameworks, and the regulatory regimes governing vessel operations
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-stakes negotiations with foreign governments, allied partners, or international bodies.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for technical and operational audiences.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Significant experience advising on government contracts, federal acquisition, and DoD or DHS regulatory compliance.
• Experience advising on rules of engagement (ROE), operational law, and the law of armed conflict (LOAC).
• Familiarity with autonomous systems, unmanned maritime vehicles, dual-use technology, or defense innovation.
• Experience at a fast-growing defense technology, dual-use, or venture-backed company.
• Prior service as a senior military legal officer (Judge Advocate General's Corps, Coast Guard, or equivalent), with experience at the flag officer or senior executive level.
• Active U.S. security clearance (Secret or higher); TS/SCI strongly preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Occasional standing and walking within the office
• Manual dexterity to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment
• Visual acuity to read screens, documents, and reports
• Occasional reaching, bending, or stooping to access file drawers, cabinets, or office supplies
• Lifting and carrying items up to 20 pounds occasionally (e.g., office supplies, packages)
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required, including occasional shipboard visits and deployments to operational environments.

Benefits:

Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance plans covering a range of services

Saronic pays 100% of the premium for employees and 80% for dependents

Dental and Vision Insurance: Coverage for routine dental check-ups, orthodontics, and vision care

Saronic pays 100% of the premium under the basic plan for employees and 80% for dependents

Time Off: Generous PTO and Holidays

Parental Leave: Paid maternity and paternity leave to support new parents

Competitive Salary: Industry-standard salaries with opportunities for performance-based bonuses

Retirement Plan: 401(k) plan with company match

Stock Options: Equity options to give employees a stake in the company's success

Life and Disability Insurance: Basic life insurance and short- and long-term disability coverage

Pet Insurance: Discounted pet insurance options including 24/7 Telehealth helpline

Additional Perks: Free lunch benefit and unlimited free drinks and snacks in the office

Saronic CCPA Notice for Candidates and California Employees

This role requires access to export-controlled information or items that require "U.S. Person" status. As defined by U.S. law, individuals who are any one of the following are considered to be a "U.S. Person": (1) U.S. citizens, (2) legal permanent residents (a.k.a. green card holders), and (3) certain protected classes of asylees and refugees, as defined in 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).