Contracts and Compliance Leader

Canopy Aerospace & Defense manufactures and delivers highly specialized materials with exceptional insulative, absorptive, and signal reducing characteristics to the space and defense markets. The Company assists OEMs from the initial design phase with R&D material and system engineering services to turnkey manufacturing through refurbishment services on reusable platforms. With deep domain expertise and responsive manufacturing, Canopy A&D acts as a seamless “Built-In” extension of its partners, filling critical gaps across long manufacturing chains. The company operates facilities in Los Angeles, Denver, Cape Canaveral, and the United Kingdom.

We are seeking a senior Contracts & Compliance Leader to oversee our contract management processes and ensure organizational compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. This dual role is critical in safeguarding the company’s interests, minimizing risk, and fostering a culture of integrity and accountability. The ideal candidate will combine strong legal/contract expertise with a strategic compliance mindset.

· Draft, review, negotiate, and manage agreements with customers, suppliers, and partners (FFP, CPFF/CPAF, T&M, IDIQ, OTA, NDAs, Teaming, Subcontracts, Licensing, DPAs).

· Ensure all agreements align with company policies, risk management standards, and regulatory requirements (FAR/DFARS flowdowns, IP/data rights, export, cybersecurity).

· Stand up and steward a centralized contract repository and obligation tracking (renewals, options, deliverables).

· Provide clear guidance to program managers and executives on interpretations, risks, and mitigations. Lead disputes, amendments, renewals, and terminations.

· Develop, implement, and monitor compliance programs, policies, and procedures.

· Design and lead an integrated compliance framework covering ITAR/EAR, OFAC sanctions, anti-corruption (FCPA/UK Bribery Act), FAR/DFARS, DCMA CPSR readiness, counterfeit parts prevention, human-trafficking clauses, data privacy, and records retention.

· Monitor regulatory changes and drive policy updates, training, and internal audits; report risks and findings to leadership.

· Lead the global insurance program (GL, property, product liability, cyber, aviation/space where applicable) to meet contractual obligations while optimizing cost and coverage.

· Conduct investigations, corrective actions, and continuous-improvement initiatives; embed compliance controls into everyday workflows and systems.

· Lead compliance training and awareness programs for employees.

· Partner with engineering, operations, supply chain, finance, and leadership to protect the business, enable speed, and embed integrity in daily operations.

· Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or related field; JD/MBA and/or compliance certifications (CPCM, CFCM, CCEP, CIPM) preferred.

· 10+ years of progressive experience in contract management, compliance, or legal operations, with at least three years in a leadership role.

· Expert knowledge of contract law and government/aerospace regulatory frameworks (FAR/DFARS, ITAR/EAR) and industry standards (AS9100/ISO 9001).

· Proven success implementing contract lifecycle processes, controls, and tools; excellent negotiation and stakeholder management.

· Strong judgment, clear written/oral communication, and a problem-solving mindset.

· Experience in Aviation, Aerospace & Defense sector preferred but not essential.

· Prior experience supporting NASA, DoD, or Tier 1 aerospace / defense primes

· Experience with contract repository software

· Ability to work extended hours/weekends to meet critical deadlines; travel to other Canopy sites and customer locations as needed.

· Proficiency with standard business software and collaboration tools; strong cross-functional communication skills.

Type: Full Time, Exempt (Salaried)

Base Salary Range: $135,000 to $175,000

Base Location: Riverside, CA, and Ontario, CA. Partial remote flexibility.

Travel: As needed to various company facilities

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Total compensation will also include a comprehensive set of benefits including but not limited to: Company paid employee medical, dental and vision insurance. Retirement plan participation (eligibility required), paid sick leave, paid vacation, paid holidays and discretionary bonuses.

To conform to US Government export regulations, the applicant must be a (i) US Citizen, (ii) lawful permanent resident of the U.S. (aka green card holder), (iii) protected individual as defined by U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or (iv) eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Canopy Aerospace & Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are based on merit, competence, and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.

Type: Full Time, Exempt (Salaried)

Base Salary Range: $100,000 to $140,000

Base Location: Riverside, CA

Travel: As needed to various company facilities