Legal Counsel – In‑house (Melbourne/Canberra/Brisbane)

About the role

QinetiQ is seeking an experienced in‑house Legal Counsel to join its Australian operations. The role will be based primarily in Melbourne, with the possibility of locating in Canberra or Brisbane, and may be offered on a flexible or part‑time basis.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational legal advice across commercial, compliance, governance, risk and intellectual‑property matters.
• Support high‑value defence and government programmes, including contract negotiation, delivery and dispute management.
• Advise on mergers and acquisitions, property transactions and regulatory compliance.
• Partner with business and commercial stakeholders to assess and mitigate legal risk.
• Contribute to business development, corporate governance and sustainable growth initiatives.

Required profile

• Admission to practice as a lawyer in Australia with an unrestricted practising certificate.
• Significant post‑qualification experience in private practice and/or in‑house legal roles.
• Demonstrated experience in commercial law, compliance, governance and intellectual‑property matters, preferably with M&A exposure.
• Experience with Commonwealth Government contracting, ideally within the defence sector or related industries.
• Strong commercial acumen and ability to analyse and mitigate legal risk.

Required skills

• Expertise in drafting, negotiating and managing complex commercial contracts.
• Knowledge of defence and government procurement regulations.
• Excellent analytical, written and verbal communication abilities.

What we offer

• Opportunity to work for a global technology and engineering leader.
• Flexible working arrangements, including part‑time options.
• Exposure to high‑impact projects that shape Australia’s sovereign industrial capability.