Assistant General Counsel - Compliance and Government Contracting

Schnabel Engineering is an employee-owned, professional consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in dam, geotechnical, geostructural, and tunnel engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities they live in, and support are a vital part of who we are and what we offer. Founded in 1956, Schnabel has experienced tremendous success and growth through its dedication to excellence in client service, high quality, and value-added solutions. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm and Top 10 Dams and Reservoirs Design Firm with over 600+ employees in 28 offices throughout the United States.

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package, including health, dental, life and disability. Engagement in Schnabel’s wellness program offers incentives for employees to pursue a healthy lifestyle, and the firm rewards employees through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Benefit options include:

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)
• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)
• Long-term disability
• Supplemental life insurance
• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan
• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)
• Bonus program
• Paid time off
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Wellness program
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description

Schnabel is seeking an experienced government contracts attorney and compliance professional to lead the enterprise compliance function within the Office of General Counsel. This attorney will be responsible for design, implementation and ongoing operation of Schnabel’s ethics and compliance program, with responsibility over enterprise compliance management, the compliance policy, training and communications, and overall compliance counseling. This attorney will also support initiatives as directed, working closely with the General Counsel and the business team to manage risk, review/draft contracts, develop policies, practices, respond to litigation/claims, and provide continuing counsel and guidance on various matters. This role will report to the General Counsel and will provide support to and work closely with other members of the Company’s Corporate departments. This role is also open to candidates for our Virginia, Maryland, or DC office locations.

Job Responsibilities:

• Identifies and mitigates legal and regulatory risks facing Schnabel, with particular emphasis on governmental and contractual compliance, including the development of mitigation strategies, including but not limited to design/implementation of an effective compliance program.
• Works closely with General Counsel on overall risk management initiatives and related programs.
• Serves as legal counsel for contract/regulatory compliance issues, including cybersecurity, FAR/DFAR compliance, global trade (ITAR/EAR) compliance, privacy and industrial security matters.
• Reviews, drafts, negotiates, and manages various agreements (ex. MSAs, Teaming Agreements, PSAs, Subcontractor Agreements, Corporate and LLC Formation Documents, Staffing Contracts, Rental Agreements, Leases, NDAs, Data Sharing Agreements, Settlement Agreements), with a specific eye toward contractual and governmental compliance.
• Provides day-to-day legal counsel to business leaders, supporting various operational initiatives.
• Provides creative legal solutions in a timely manner.
• Develops collegial working relationships with internal clients and other staff in order to contribute to overall efficiency and morale within the company.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with government stakeholders and auditors.
• Manages outside counsel within areas of substantive responsibility to ensure timely, quality, cost-effective service.
• Serves as a collaborative partner who delivers legal services using a consultative approach while modeling accountability and responsiveness by communicating proactively and meeting deadlines timely.
• Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and professional associations to keep abreast of the latest developments in applicable law and other related areas.
• Assists the team with meeting legal department goals.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Some travel required (approx. 10%).

Required Skills/Experience:

• Juris doctorate degree from an ABA accredited law school required.
• Active Virginia State Bar membership in good standing (or the ability to obtain state corporate counsel license).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience as a practicing attorney with substantial experience in Government Contracts law.
• Experience conducting investigations, developing compliance programs and processes, and providing counsel regarding government contracts legal and regulatory issues.
• Deep understanding of U.S. government contracts regulations, including specific familiarity with cybersecurity requirements and the CMMC framework.
• Proven experience leading and managing cross-functional teams.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and analytical skills and the ability to influence and build relationships.
• Ability to effectively manage multiple matters (from inception through implementation) simultaneously and flexibility to shift focus and priority as business needs change while also consistently maintaining strong attention to detail, accuracy and quality.
• Sound judgment with the ability to make decisions and present recommendations with clarity and conviction.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint) required.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Experience in construction, engineering, architecture or similar industry.
• Experience practicing in-house, preferably in a corporate legal department of a U.S. government contractor.

Other Requirements:

• Legally eligible for employment in the U.S.
• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Active security clearance OR the ability to obtain/maintain a security clearance.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Location:

• Candidate should be located within commuting distance of at least one Schnabel office.

Other Physical Requirements:

• Vision (Near, Distance, Color, Peripheral, Depth Perception).
• Ability to effectively communicate with others; ability to speak, understand and write English required.

The compensation range for this position is between $175,000 to $245,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)

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