Legal Counsel

Fantastic challenges. Amazing opportunities. GKN Aerospace is reimagining air travel: going further, faster and greener! Fuelled by great people whose expertise and creativity sets the standards in our industry, we're inspired by the opportunities to innovate and break boundaries. We're proud to play a part in protecting the world's democracies. And we're committed to putting sustainability at the centre of everything we do, opening up and protecting our planet. With over 16,000 employees across 33 manufacturing sites in 12 countries we serve over 90% of the world's aircraft and engine manufacturers and achieved sales of £3.35 bn.in 2023. There are no limits to where you can take your career.

Job Summary We are seeking a Legal Counsel with experience in U.S. Government contracting—preferably within the aerospace or defense industry—to join the legal team at GKN Aerospace Engines. This role supports a broad range of U.S.-focused contractual, regulatory, and compliance matters. You will work closely with Senior Legal Counsel on a day-to-day basis and report to the Head of Legal. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career attorney to deepen expertise in federal contracting and aerospace/defense regulations, while gaining exposure to broader commercial legal matters over time.

Job Responsibilities Primary Responsibilities:

• Support the review, drafting, and negotiation of U.S. Government contracts and subcontracts, including agreements governed by FAR and DFARS 
• Assist with compliance related to federal procurement regulations, export controls, and related requirements 
• Support contract flow-down analysis and monitor compliance with contractual obligations 
• Interpret and advise internal stakeholders on contractual and regulatory requirements 
• Partner with Senior Legal Counsel to provide practical, business-oriented legal guidance to engineering, procurement, and operations teams 
• Assist in resolving contractual issues that arise during contract performance 
• Participate in internal reviews related to risk management, compliance, and corporate governance Expanded Scope (as role develops):
• Support commercial contracting activities (e.g., NDAs, teaming agreements, supplier agreements) 
• Assist in developing internal legal processes, templates, and training materials 
• Support dispute avoidance efforts and early identification of legal risks 
• Gain exposure to commercial legal matters (prior experience is a plus, but not required)Job Qualifications Required Qualifications
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active license to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction 
• 2-5 years of experience supporting U.S. Government contracts, ideally in aerospace, defense, or a highly regulated industry 
• Working knowledge of U.S. government contracting regulations, including FAR and DFARS 
• Experience advising on complex legal and compliance issues Preferred Qualifications
• Practical, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to work independently while knowing when to escalate issues 
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment 
• Proven ability to build trusted relationships and collaborate effectively across functions 
• Strong judgment, integrity, and the confidence to deliver difficult messages when needed 
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and deliver business-focused legal solutions 
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic, evolving environment 
• Interest in how technology is shaping the aerospace and defense industry 
• In-house legal experience within a manufacturing or aerospace organization strongly preferred 
• Alignment with GKN Aerospace's core values Travel Requirements
• Up to 10% domestic and international travelWe'll offer you fantastic challenges and amazing opportunities.

This is your chance to be part of an organisation that has proven itself to be at the cutting edge of our industry; and is committed to pushing the boundaries even further. And with some of the best training on offer in the industry, who knows how far you can go? A Great Place to work needs a Great Way of Working Everyone is welcome to apply to GKN. We believe that we can only achieve our ambitions through a coming together of diverse minds who enjoy collaborating in an inspirational environment. Through our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging and by living our five powerful principles we've created a culture where everyone feels welcome to contribute. It's a culture that won us 'The Best Workplace Culture Award'. By embracing and celebrating what makes us unique we encourage everyone to bring their full self to work. We're also committed to providing an accessible recruitment process, so if you require reasonable adjustments at any stage during our recruitment process please get in touch and let us know. We are the place where human dreams, plus human endeavour, shape the future of aerospace innovation and technology. ​​