Senior Legal Counsel - Commercial

Kela is a defense technology startup pioneering next-generation command & control and data infrastructure systems. We empower defense organizations with robust, scalable, and secure platforms that integrate diverse sensors and AI to deliver real-time battlefield intelligence. Backed by leading investors, Kela combines Israeli innovation with global mission impact. 

We are looking for an experienced, commercially minded Senior Legal Counsel to join our legal team.

This is a unique opportunity for a hands-on lawyer to become a real business enabler at Kela. Reporting to our Head of Legal, you will own entire legal workstreams end-to-end, advise senior stakeholders, and build the agreements, frameworks and legal processes that support our growth, protect our technology, and enable us to operate with speed and discipline.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as a trusted legal advisor to business, procurement, operations and R&D teams.Lead the drafting and negotiation of the company's commercial agreements with vendors, suppliers, and strategic partners.
• Handle the "groundwork" for international transactions, including end-user certificates, licensing approvals, and ensuring compliance with export control (ITAR, EAR, and Israeli MOD).
• Proactively assist with various compliance matters across the organization.
• Maintain and optimize our contract templates and playbooks as we grow from a breakout startup to a global leader.

• LL.B. from a leading academic institution; licensed to practice law in Israel.
• 7+ years of experience in the commercial or corporate department of a leading law firm, or as in-house counsel in a global technology company, including substantial experience running matters independently, end-to-end.
• Excellent English drafting and communication skills.
• Strong commercial judgment - the ability to balance legal risk with business needs and find the "path to yes".
• Proactiveness, attention to detail, and the grit to manage multiple tasks independently under pressure in a fast-paced environment.
• A "builder’s mentality"- comfortable with ambiguity, eager to learn new fields, and deeply interested in the intersection of national security and technology.

Nice to Have:

• Prior experience in the defense sector.
• Experience with AI governance and the practical application of AI tools.
• Knowledge of export control regulations and government contracting.
• Experience working with international corporations.