About the Role
About UsHarmattan AI is a next-generation defense prime building autonomous and scalable defense systems. Following the close of a $200M Series B, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, we are expanding our teams and capabilities to deliver mission-critical systems to allied forces.Our work is guided by clear values: building technologies with real-world impact, pursuing excellence in everything we do, setting ambitious goals, and taking on the hardest technical challenges. We operate in a demanding environment where rigor, ownership, and execution are expected.About the RoleWe're looking for a commercially minded Legal Counsel to join our legal team in Paris. Reporting to the General Counsel, you'll be a hands-on legal business partner to Sales and teams across the company, with a particular focus on French-speaking markets. This is a broad in-house role for a lawyer who enjoys working close to the business and is motivated by Harmattan AI's mission.Key ResponsibilitiesCommercial & ProcurementDraft, review and negotiate customer, partnership, supply and procurement agreements, including defence-procurement documentation among othersSupport complex negotiations with defence ministries, armed forces, public-sector bodies and industrial partnersBuild scalable contracting standards, playbooks and approval processesDefence, AI & Regulated TechnologyAdvise on legal and regulatory issues around autonomous and AI-enabled defence systemsWork with the General Counsel on export-control, sanctions and trade-compliance mattersAdvise on AI, data, cybersecurity and IP issues as they affect the businessCorporate & GovernanceSupport entity governance, board documentation and statutory filings across French-speaking marketsSupport employment matters alongside the People team and external counselManage disputes and pre-litigation matters with a focus on early risk assessmentFrench-Speaking MarketsAct as principal legal advisor for expansion across French-speaking marketsCoordinate external local counsel and manage legal spendHelp build the legal processes and templates that let the business scaleRequirementsQualified attorney or in-house legal counsel with ~5 years' relevant experience across a law firm and in-house/tech or defence environmentNative-level French and fluent professional English;Strong track record drafting and negotiating complex commercial contractsSolid grounding in contract and corporate lawGenuine interest in defence, dual-use tech, AI or other regulated sectorsComfortable with senior stakeholders and fast-moving, high-stakes workEligible to obtain and maintain any security clearance or authorization required for the role, subject to applicable law.LL.M. from a US or UK institution, or exposure to defence/public-procurement/export-control matters, is a plus.We look forward to hearing how you can help shape the future of autonomous defense systems at Harmattan AI.Find Jobs in France on Arbeitnow