Counsel, Advanced Research Center

Job Description Summary

As a GE Vernova accelerator, GE Vernova Advanced Research is driving strategy and leading research & development efforts to execute on the business's mission to help power the energy transition. We forge the collaborations and help invent the technologies required to electrify and decarbonize for a zero-carbon future.

Representing virtually every major scientific and engineering discipline, our researchers are collaborating with GE Vernova's businesses, the U.S. government, and more than 420 entities at the forefront of technology to execute on 150+ energy focused projects. Collectively, these research programs and initiatives aim to solve near term technical challenges, deliver next generation product advances, and drive long term breakthrough innovation to enable more affordable, reliable, sustainable, and secure energy.

Job Description

The Counsel, Advanced Research Center, will serve as a key member of the legal team supporting the complete range of legal operations at GE Vernova's Advanced Research Center (ARC). The ARC is a hub for innovation where research and development meet strategy creation, partnership building, and engineering genius. This role demands a versatile legal generalist with strong judgment and significant experience in U.S. government contracts, as well as the ability to advise across a broad spectrum of legal and commercial matters. This role will report to the Head of Government Operations of the Advanced Research Center and will work closely with the Lead Counsel, Advanced Research Center.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to ARC leadership and team members on a wide range of legal and compliance matters, partnering closely with the Lead Counsel to support the legal function across the organization.

• Provide day-to-day legal support on U.S. government contracts and financial assistance agreements, including FAR-based contracts and subcontracts, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs), other transaction agreements, and teaming or joint venture agreements.

• Advise on commercial transactions, including the drafting, review, and negotiation of a variety of agreements such as research collaborations, licensing arrangements, vendor contracts, and service agreements.

• Manage and support the resolution of disputes, claims, and other contested matters, including coordination with outside counsel as needed.

• Interpret complex laws and regulations and provide practical guidance to drive compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements, including in areas such as government contracting, privacy, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, export controls, and general corporate matters.

• Collaborate with other parts of the business, including other legal peers and functional organizations (e.g., Labor & Employment, Business Development, Finance).

• Draft or assist in drafting legal, business, or commercial communications to internal stakeholders and third parties, including government agencies.

• Conduct presentations for various purposes and audiences (e.g., presenting legal matters to senior business or legal leadership, training business or legal personnel on legal matters).

• Support the management of budget and outside counsel matters in area of responsibility.

• A minimum of 7 years of legal experience, with significant experience in U.S. government contracts, preferably within a research, technology, energy, or defense-focused environment.

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school. Active membership in good standing with a U.S. state bar.

• Demonstrated experience in drafting, negotiating, and advising on FAR-based contracts, cooperative agreements, and other U.S. government contracting instruments.

• Broad generalist skill set with the ability to advise across multiple legal disciplines, including commercial transactions, disputes, regulatory compliance, and general corporate matters.

• This position may be performed remotely or in-person at our office in Niskayuna, NY, Washington D.C., or Cambridge, MA.

• U.S. citizenship required in order to support U.S. Government Contracts and Financial Assistance Agreements.

• Currently possesses or able to obtain a TS/SCI clearance.

• Outstanding communicator with excellent writing and presentation skills.

• Demonstrated experience acting as a trusted advisor to senior leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.

• Ability to work within an evolving, complex, and fast-moving environment, to drive rigorous, fact-based recommendations to senior management.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to exercise sound independent judgment on complex legal matters.

• Experience managing disputes, investigations, or other contested matters in a corporate or government contracting context.

• Prior experience supporting classified programs or working in secure, compartmentalized environments.

• Maintains confidentiality of information and exercises appropriate discretion.

• Works ethically and with integrity aligned with organizational goals and values.

• Develops positive relationships, leads through influence with internal partners, builds consensus, and prioritizes action and results.