Senior Maritime Counsel

Saronic Technologies is a leader in revolutionizing autonomy at sea, dedicated to developing state-of-the-art solutions that enhance maritime operations through autonomous and intelligent platforms. JOB OVERVIEW This is a senior-level, high-impact role for a seasoned attorney with deep expertise in maritime law and the regulatory frameworks that govern naval operations and autonomous platforms at sea. The successful candidate will partner directly with executive leadership, government affairs, business development, and engineering teams to shape company strategy, advise on complex transactions and treaty-implicating issues, and ensure that Saronic operates at the highest standard of legal and ethical rigor across every theater in which we deploy. RESPONSIBILITIES - Maritime, Regulatory & Operational Law • Serve as the company's principal legal authority on U.S. and international maritime law, including the law of the sea, freedom of navigation, port state and flag state requirements, and the regulatory regimes administered by the U.S. Coast Guard, IMO, and equivalent foreign authorities. • Advise on the legal frameworks governing autonomous and uncrewed surface vessels, including operational testing, sea trials, and deployment in U.S. and international waters. • Provide legal counsel on rules of engagement, operational law, and the law of armed conflict as Saronic platforms support naval and joint-force missions. • Develop and maintain compliance programs covering environmental law, maritime safety, and incident response. - International Engagement & Treaty Matters • Represent Saronic's interests in international engagements with allied governments, foreign militaries, and multilateral bodies. • Advise on bilateral agreements, foreign sales, technology transfer, and the legal frameworks underpinning international partnerships. • Support the company's global expansion by navigating the maritime, defense, and export-control regimes of partner nations. - Executive Advising & Strategic Leadership • Serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board on legal, regulatory, and geopolitical risk. • Provide crisis management and rapid legal response for high-visibility operational incidents. • Partner with cross-functional leaders (engineering, operations, business development, finance, HR) to embed sound legal judgment across the organization. • Manage external counsel relationships for specialized matters. • Provide training to internal stakeholders on maritime, regulatory, and compliance best practices. QUALIFICATIONS - 15+ years of progressive legal experience advising executive-level leadership on maritime, international, or national security law (government, military, in-house, or top-tier law firm). - • Juris Doctor and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar. - • Demonstrated expertise in maritime law, the international law of the sea, freedom-of-navigation frameworks, and the regulatory regimes governing vessel operations - • Proven ability to manage complex, high-stakes negotiations with foreign governments, allied partners, or international bodies. - • Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for technical and operational audiences. - • Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Significant experience advising on government contracts, federal acquisition, and DoD or DHS regulatory compliance. • Experience advising on rules of engagement (ROE), operational law, and the law of armed conflict (LOAC). • Familiarity with autonomous systems, unmanned maritime vehicles, dual-use technology, or defense innovation. • Experience at a fast-growing defense technology, dual-use, or venture-backed company. • Prior service as a senior military legal officer (Judge Advocate General's Corps, Coast Guard, or equivalent), with e