Legal Operations Associate Jobs in Detroit, MI (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Commercial Contract Specialist / Corporate Legal Specialist

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 days remote, 2 days on-site)

Travel: 0% expected

Compensation: $75,000 - $90,000 base salary (DOE) + 10% bonus

Relocation: N/A

Required Skills:

• 3+ years of commercial contract negotiation and drafting experience (UCC compliance, NDAs, sales/lease agreements).
• Solid foundation in compliance frameworks (Export Control, FAR / DFAR, ITAR).
• Proficiency in contract management tracking, SOP development, and Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Skills:

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree or B.S. Engineering. Open to various B.A. liberal arts majors such as English, Philosophy or Psychology. Formal training and experience working as a Paralegal with a contracts and negotiations background also considered.
• Experience in high-tech manufacturing, capital equipment sales, or aerospace/defense supply chains.
• Specialized training or certification in Contract Management (e.g., Certified Professional Contracts Manager / CPCM).

Employer Value Proposition:

Work for an industry leader in the additive manufacturing (3D printing) industry supporting the re-shoring of our nation’s manufacturing/industrial capacity. Work with major companies in multiple industries (Aerospace/defense, consumer goods, healthcare, etc.)

Work-life balance. Remote work 3 days per week. 40-hour work week.

Ability to work in an autonomous manner and execute a bulk of job responsibilities in an independent manner. However, help is available if a self-directed attempt is made and guidance is required to proceed with job responsibilities.

Legal/contract exposure without the stress of going to court.

Job Description:

Title: Contract Specialist

Location: Novi, MI

Reports To: Senior In-House Counsel

As our Contract Specialist, you will step into the heart of cutting-edge innovation, serving as a trusted legal gatekeeper and operational engine for our growing Legal team. Picture spending your week managing high-stakes equipment sales contracts, collaborating directly with executive leaders and outside counsel, and partnering with global clients to turn complex business deals into smooth, legally sound victories. Working hand-in-hand with our Sr. In-House Counsel, you won't just review clauses - you will safeguard our growth, streamline operations, and help shape the future of responsible, high-tech manufacturing.

Why Choose This Opportunity

High-Impact Ownership: Lead end-to-end commercial contract management, from initial NDA drafts to complex equipment sales and aftermarket service agreements.

Direct Mentorship & Growth: Partner directly with senior in-house counsel, honing your legal expertise while taking ownership of vital operational projects.

Drive Strategic Innovation: Modernize our internal SOPs, build performance metrics, and optimize department workflows to keep pace with rapid business growth.

Purpose-Driven Mission: Join a globally networked, forward-thinking team dedicated to pushing technology boundaries and accelerating sustainable industrial manufacturing.

What You Will Do to Succeed

• Negotiate & Draft: Craft, review, and refine a diverse portfolio of commercial agreements—including NDAs, equipment sales, rental/loan terms, and supplier contracts—ensuring alignment with business goals and legal protections.
• Navigate Compliance & Risk: Stay ahead of UCC updates and federal regulations (FAR, DFAR, ITAR), oversee export control rules, and handle regional financing filings for equipment.
• Optimize Operations: Build, refine, and maintain internal contract SOPs, record retention programs, distributor contracts, and department performance metrics.
• Partner & Collaborate: Work closely with cross-functional teams, clients, and outside counsel to resolve business-critical issues quickly and professionally.

What You Bring to the Team

• Proven Experience: 3+ years in a commercial contract management or legal support role, with a strong background in contract drafting, negotiation, and risk mitigation.
• Regulatory Acumen: Solid understanding of the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and familiarity with federal contracting/export compliance (FAR/DFAR/ITAR).
• Analytical Mindset: Exceptional organizational skills, rock-solid attention to detail, and a knack for project management and problem-solving.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in law, business, engineering, or liberal arts is required. J.D. is a plus. Alternatively, an associate’s degree with a strong Paralegal background will also be considered.