Senior Corporate Counsel
About Otto Aerospace
Otto is developing the world's first fifth-generation business jet, engineered for sustainability through advanced super-laminar aerodynamics and high-precision, net-shaped composites. Our technology demonstrator has validated dramatic reductions in fuel burn while delivering a step-change in cabin comfort. We design aircraft from first-principles physics and are building a new class of business aviation defined by efficiency, performance, and uncompromising engineering rigor.
About the Role
Otto is seeking a Senior Corporate Counsel to serve as a central business partner at a pivotal moment in the company's growth. As the first commercial-focused legal hire reporting directly to the General Counsel, you will own the company's commercial and strategic contracting function end-to-end. This role is designed for a seasoned, judgment-driven lawyer who wants to operate at the center of the business-structuring complex deals, shaping contracting strategy, and building the legal infrastructure that will support Otto through rapid scaling, major institutional financing, and eventual public-company readiness.
You will lead the full lifecycle of customer, vendor, supplier, and strategic partnership agreements, while also establishing the systems, processes, and playbooks that enable Otto's commercial, supply chain, and engineering teams to move quickly without compromising legal discipline. This is a hands-on, high-impact role that blends sophisticated transactional work with operational leadership across contract management, process design, and cross-functional alignment.
About the Legal Function
The in-house legal team at Otto is being built to match the ambition and complexity of our aircraft program. The department partners closely with engineering, supply chain, manufacturing, finance, and executive leadership to enable disciplined growth, protect the company's long-term interests, and support mission-critical decisions. As Senior Corporate Counsel, you will help define the department's operating model, establish contracting frameworks, and build the legal foundation that will support Otto through late-stage private growth and beyond.
What You'll Do
- Serve as primary legal lead for commercial, customer, supplier, and strategic partnership agreements
- Oversee and direct Otto's contracting activities across all business areas, ensuring legal, operational, and strategic alignment
- Manage the full lifecycle of vendor and customer contracts, including intake, drafting, negotiation, execution, and renewal
- Structure, draft, and negotiate complex, high-value, and often bespoke commercial agreements
- Develop and maintain contract playbooks, clause libraries, fallback positions, and standardized templates
- Build scalable contracting processes and implement best practices that balance compliance, agility, and business efficiency
- Track key contract terms, deliverables, renewals, and obligations using contract lifecycle management tools
- Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Finance, Operations, Engineering, Compliance, and Supply Chain to ensure alignment and execution
- Represent the legal function in negotiations with executives, engineers, vendors, customers, and strategic partners
- Identify and implement process improvements to streamline contracting workflows and reduce turnaround times
Who You Are
Education
- JD from an accredited U.S. law school
- Member in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar
- Strong academic foundation in commercial, corporate, or transactional law
Experience
- 8+ years of commercial or transactional experience, including time at a leading law firm
- In-house experience at a technology, aerospace, industrial, or deep-tech company
- Demonstrated ability to negotiate complex, long-dated, or strategically significant agreements
- Experience managing or overseeing contract operations, vendor agreements, or sales contracting workflows
- Familiarity with procurement processes, sales operations, and contract lifecycle management systems (e.g., Ironclad)
- Background in regulated, export-controlled, or manufacturing-intensive environments is helpful
- U.S. citizenship required (ITAR)
Required Skills
- Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and analytical abilities
- Strong business judgment and the ability to balance risk with commercial objectives
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive clarity in fast-moving, ambiguous environments
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills across cross-functional teams
- High attention to detail, organizational discipline, and operational rigor
- Pragmatic, low-ego, and comfortable making decisions independently
Where You'll Be
Option 1 - Hybrid On-Site (Preferred: Washington, D.C. Area)
This role will begin as a hybrid position with periodic on-site work in Jacksonville, FL later in the year as program activity increases. Candidates based in the Washington, D.C. area are strongly preferred due to proximity to key partners and stakeholders.
Option 2- Remote (Preferred: Washington, D.C. Area)
This role may also be performed remotely, with periodic travel for key meetings, negotiations, and program reviews. Candidates located in the Washington, D.C. area are preferred to support collaboration with government, regulatory, and strategic partners.
Benefits
Otto Aerospace provides a robust benefits package that includes competitive salaries, subsidized medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) opportunities, paid short-term disability, voluntary long-term disability, and additional term life insurance. Employees receive 15 paid days off, 13 paid company holidays, and paid sick leave. Depending on seniority and role, some positions qualify for bonuses and stock options.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Otto Aerospace is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in every aspect of our hiring process. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We believe that a diverse team brings fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and greater success. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.
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