Senior Legal Counsel (Corporate)

ABOUT MACH INDUSTRIES

Founded in 2022, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 220 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

THE ROLE

Mach Industries seeks a Senior Legal Counsel (Corporate) to serve onsite at our Huntington Beach headquarters and act as a strategic legal partner to the executive team. This role will lead Mach’s core corporate legal functions, including venture financings, equity and compensation matters, corporate governance, international corporate structure, and mergers and acquisitions, while also advising on select regulatory and defense-adjacent issues.

As a senior member of Mach Legal, you will help scale a rapidly growing defense technology company by structuring and executing complex transactions, building and maintaining a strong governance foundation, and balancing risk and growth in a responsible and savvy way.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate & Transactional Leadership

• Lead and execute M&A, strategic investments, joint ventures, and other corporate transactions, including deal structuring, diligence, negotiation, and closing.
• Coordinate venture and growth-stage financings, including SAFEs, convertible notes, preferred equity rounds, investor rights, and related governance matters.
• Build and maintain Mach’s equity compensation program, including option plans, grants, exercises, and coordination with finance, HR, and external advisors.
• Build and maintain corporate governance and formalities, including Board and committee matters, consents, policies, and entity maintenance.
• Design and manage Mach’s domestic and international corporate structure, including subsidiaries, intercompany arrangements, and restructuring initiatives.

Strategic & Cross-Functional Advising

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to executive leadership on corporate strategy, risk management, and business planning.
• Partner closely with Finance, HR, Tax, and Operations to support Mach’s growth, capital strategy, and operational execution.
• Manage and coordinate outside counsel efficiently across corporate, transactional, and regulatory matters.

Regulatory & Defense-Adjacent Support (as needed)

• Advise on legal issues related to government and commercial contracts, including DoD procurement considerations and government contracting compliance, in coordination with internal stakeholders and specialized counsel.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws relevant to Mach’s operations as the company scales.

Risk & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate legal risks associated with rapid growth, new business initiatives, and evolving regulatory environments.
• Stay current on relevant legal and regulatory developments impacting venture-backed technology and defense companies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial and government contracts as a general member of the Mach Legal team.
• Stay ahead of emerging legal and regulatory trends in the defense and technology sectors, proactively adapting Mach’s strategies to maintain a competitive advantage.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
• 6+ years of legal experience, with a focus on corporate and equity matters, M&A, or parallel fields.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical skills, with a track record of delivering practical, business-oriented legal solutions.
• Ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable advice for non-legal stakeholders.
• Experience working in fast-paced, innovative environments with a demonstrated ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to work onsite in our Huntington Beach headquarters and to travel as may be required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience building and managing corporate equity programs of private companies.
• Proven expertise in conducting M&A in a diligent and thorough manner, while controlling costs.
• Commercial contracting experience.
• Knowledge of aerospace or manufacturing legal challenges, including supply chain agreements and quality assurance standards.
• Prior in-house counsel experience at a technology firm, with a focus on scaling operations in a high-growth environment.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!