Director, Legal - Government Compliance Counsel (Remote) at Collins Aerospace

Why This Role Deserves Your Attention

In the high-stakes world of aerospace and defense, legal compliance is not a back-office function—it is the backbone of every government contract. Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, is seeking a Director, Legal - Government Compliance Counsel (Remote) to guide its federal contracting operations through the labyrinth of Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA), and the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). This is not merely another in-house counsel opening; it is a strategic leadership position at the intersection of law, accounting, and public procurement. For legal professionals who thrive on complexity and want to shape compliance strategy at a global aerospace giant, this role presents an unmatched career opportunity.

“At RTX, the world’s largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems.” This is the scale you will operate in.

The Strategic Importance of Government Contract Compliance

Government contracting is not for the faint-hearted. The federal government imposes rigorous rules on how contractors price their bids, allocate costs, and account for expenses. Any misstep—whether in a cost submission, a billing rate, or a disclosure statement—can trigger audits by the Defense Contract Audit Agency (DCAA), penalties, or even suspension from future contracting. In this environment, a seasoned compliance counsel is not just a legal advisor but a guardian of the company’s ability to do business with the U.S. government. This role sits at the center of that mission, advising on CAS, FAR Part 30, FAR Part 31, and TINA, and ensuring that Collins Aerospace remains both compliant and competitive.

For legal professionals, this is a chance to become a true subject-matter expert in a niche that is both highly technical and immensely valuable. The demand for attorneys with this expertise is growing, as defense spending rises and regulatory scrutiny intensifies. By joining Collins Aerospace, you are not just filling a job; you are building a career foundation that can lead to broader roles as General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer, or Partner in a major law firm’s government contracts practice.

Key Responsibilities: What You’ll Actually Do

The job description paints a clear picture of a role that is hands-on and strategically vital. Your day-to-day work will involve:

• Advising on CAS applicability and disclosure statements — You will interpret Cost Accounting Standards, assess cost impacts, and guide the company through DCAA/DCMA oversight, making judgment calls that affect millions in revenue.
• Counseling on FAR and DFARS requirements — You will provide legal guidance on cost principles, pricing, and accounting treatment, helping business teams structure contracts correctly from the start.
• Mitigating compliance risks — You will develop and update internal policies and controls to prevent accounting and pricing issues before they escalate.
• Leading audits and investigations — When the government comes knocking, you will spearhead responses, manage internal reviews, and work with external auditors to demonstrate compliance.
• Partnering with Finance and Contracts teams — You will be the bridge between legal, accounting, and contracts departments, ensuring everyone speaks the same language on cost matters.
• Navigating TINA — You will handle cost or pricing data requirements, defective pricing risks, and negotiation strategies, protecting the company from costly penalties.
• Monitoring regulatory changes — The regulatory landscape is always shifting; you will interpret new rules and guide the company’s responses.
• Training and mentoring — You will educate cross-functional teams on CAS, TINA, and cost/pricing requirements, multiplying your impact across the organization.

These responsibilities are not for someone looking for a quiet legal backwater. They are for an attorney who enjoys solving puzzles, collaborating across departments, and seeing the direct effect of their advice on the company’s bottom line.

Qualifications: The Profile They’re Looking For

Collins Aerospace has set a high bar, and rightly so. The ideal candidate is not just a lawyer but a hybrid of lawyer, accountant, and strategist. Here’s what the job posting specifies:

• A Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
• Minimum 10 years of experience specifically advising on federal government contract compliance, with deep expertise in CAS and TINA.
• A strong grasp of FAR, DFARS, DCAA/DCMA processes, cost principles, indirect rate structures, and EVMS-related cost considerations.
• Demonstrated experience supporting internal compliance programs, especially in inter-entity or shared services cost allocation.
• Typically, the role requires 14 years of relevant experience with a University degree, or 12 years with an advanced degree — reflecting the seniority of the position.

If you have prior in-house counsel experience in federal contracting, familiarity with major defense or civilian agencies, and a talent for practical, business-oriented solutions, you are exactly who they want to meet.

The role is remote, so location flexibility is a plus, but you must be a U.S. citizen due to access to sensitive program information. The security clearance requirement is not applicable, which is helpful for some candidates, but citizenship is non-negotiable.

Perks and Compensation: A Package That Stands Out

Let’s talk about what’s in it for you. The salary range is an impressive $186,200 to $353,800, reflecting the seniority and depth of expertise required. But compensation goes beyond base pay. Collins Aerospace, as part of RTX, offers a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
• A 401(k) plan with employer matching and a separate retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment
• Life insurance, disability coverage, and optional coverages like pet insurance, home and auto insurance, and critical illness insurance
• Birth, adoption, and parental leave benefits
• Employee assistance programs, wellness incentives, and access to virtual doctors
• Relocation assistance, if eligible

This is a package that prioritizes long-term well-being and professional development, making it attractive for mid-senior professionals who are looking for stability and growth.

How to Prepare Your Application

If this role speaks to you, your application needs to demonstrate not just your legal credentials but your hands-on experience with CAS and TINA. Here are some practical steps to stand out:

• Quantify your achievements: Instead of saying your provided CAS compliance advice, mention how you saved a previous employer millions in audit exposures or successfully navigated a complex DCAA audit.
• Showcase cross-functional collaboration: Highlight examples where you worked with finance and contracts teams to resolve cost allocation issues or draft compliant pricing narratives.
• Highlight training and leadership: This role includes guidance and training; if you have developed compliance training programs, be sure to mention them.
• Tailor your resume to the keywords: Use terms like CAS, TINA, FAR Part 30, FAR Part 31, DCAA, DCMA, and indirect rate structures. Many companies use applicant tracking systems that filter resumes based on these terms.
• Prepare for behavioral questions: Expect questions about how you handled a defective pricing allegation or a cost disclosure statement audit. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Because the role is remote, you may also want to indicate your comfort with virtual collaboration and your ability to travel occasionally to site locations as needed. Collins Aerospace notes that candidates may be asked to attend some interview steps in person, so be flexible.

Why Now Is the Time to Apply

The application window is finite—RTX anticipates closing it approximately 40 days from the notice date, which was July 10, 2026. That means the deadline is likely around August 19, 2026, but factors like candidate flow may shorten it. Do not wait. The role is remote, which broadens the applicant pool, so early application gives you an advantage. Moreover, with only 30 applicants so far (as per LinkedIn), the opportunity is not yet swamped with candidates—now is the moment to strike.

Beyond the timing, the aerospace and defense sector is booming, and compliance is becoming a core competency for boardrooms. By entering Collins Aerospace at the Director level, you are positioning yourself for executive advancement. The knowledge you gain here—on CAS administration, TINA compliance, and cost principles—is portable and highly sought after by government contractors, law firms, and consulting agencies.

The path of a government contracts lawyer is not a straight line; it’s a series of calculated moves. This Director role is a calculated move that could define the rest of your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most important qualification for this role?

The most critical qualification is deep, hands-on experience with Cost Accounting Standards (CAS) and the Truth in Negotiations Act (TINA). The job explicitly asks for a minimum of 10 years of federal contract compliance experience, with a particular emphasis on these two areas. Without that, your application will not pass the screening stage.

Is U.S. citizenship mandatory?

Yes. The job posting states that U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract. You will need to provide proof of citizenship during the hiring process.

Can I apply if I live outside Denver?

Absolutely, as long as you are a U.S. citizen. The role is designated as remote, so you can work from anywhere in the U.S. The Denver listing is simply a convenience for location-based job boards. However, you may occasionally need to travel to a Collins Aerospace location for meetings or interviews.

What should I emphasize in my cover letter?

Focus on your direct experience with CAS and TINA, especially any outcomes that demonstrate your ability to protect the company from financial or legal risk. Mention your comfort working with finance and accounting teams, and highlight any leadership or training experience. A cover letter that shows you understand the business impact of compliance will stand out.