Associate General Counsel

Vast•Washington, DC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Vast is seeking an Associate General Counsel to lead the regulatory and national security compliance framework governing how the company designs, builds, exports, licenses, and operates spacecraft. Reporting to the General Counsel, this role will lead export controls, FCC and spectrum licensing, CFIUS, facility clearance and foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) mitigation, and space policy. The work supports Vast’s national security, satellite, and international business. The position is full-time and exempt, based in Long Beach, California; Washington, DC; or Houston, Texas. Vast is developing next-generation space stations and infrastructure, including its Haven Station program and a high-power satellite product line. The company is headquartered in Long Beach, California, and has more than 1,000 employees. Its plans include future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, government-dedicated space stations, and other crewed systems. The role partners with Security, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Development, Government Affairs, Finance, and outside counsel to make compliance support business operations. It also supports Legal team special projects and works independently with internal legal support staff and other partners. Travel of up to 25% is required, and the role requires willingness to work evenings and/or weekends for critical mission milestones.

Requirements

JD and admission to practice law in a state bar in good standing.
Ability to practice in-house in California, the District of Columbia, or Texas.
At least 9 years of experience in a legal role at a law firm, aerospace and defense company, or space company, with substantial experience in export controls and national security regulatory matters.
Strong problem-solving, verbal, and writing skills.
Good judgment and ability to balance risk and productivity in a business environment.
Process-oriented, collaborative, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to travel up to 25% of the time.
Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Nice To Haves

In-house experience at an aerospace and defense prime contractor or space company, leading export, trade compliance, or national security regulatory functions.
Hands-on experience negotiating FOCI mitigation agreements with DCSA and supporting facility clearance processes.
Experience preparing CFIUS filings and negotiating or administering mitigation agreements.
Experience with FCC Part 25 licensing, ITU coordination, or satellite spectrum matters.
Familiarity with FAA payload reviews and NOAA commercial remote sensing licensing regimes.
Experience building or scaling a trade compliance program in a high-growth environment.
Active U.S. security clearance at Secret level or above.
Ability to inspire trust, forge relationships quickly, and earn the confidence of engineering and business stakeholders.
Demonstrated legal and business judgment, technical acumen, communication skills, and strategic thinking, with excellent time management and prioritization.
Comfort with rapid change and a drive to learn new technologies, products, and substantive legal areas.

Responsibilities

Lead Vast’s export compliance program and serve as the company’s Empowered Official, with purview over ITAR and EAR compliance.
Support export classification determinations and export authorizations, including TAAs, DSP-5s, EAR licenses, and license exceptions.
Advise business teams on technology transfers, foreign-person access, deemed exports, and international collaboration.
Oversee export compliance reviews, audits, investigations, and disclosures as needed.
Oversee FCC licensing for Vast missions, including Part 25 applications, experimental licenses, and spectrum coordination.
Coordinate with NTIA and international administrations on filings and interference matters.
Support ground-segment providers and customers in their licensing applications.
Advise on CFIUS implications of financings, strategic investments, joint ventures, and international partnerships.
Work with outside counsel on necessary CFIUS filings and related compliance obligations.
Lead legal work on Vast’s facility clearance strategy and its relationship with DCSA under 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM).
Structure and implement FOCI mitigation instruments, including board resolutions, Security Control Agreements, Special Security Agreements, and Proxy Agreements.
Partner with Security on governance, outside director, and compliance requirements.
Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments affecting commercial space, including FAA payload reviews, NOAA remote sensing licensing, mission authorization, and space traffic management.
Partner with Government Affairs on rulemaking comments, agency engagement, and policy positions.
Work with Security, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Development, Government Affairs, Finance, and outside counsel to integrate compliance with business operations.
Support the Legal team on special projects and work independently with internal legal support staff and other partners.
Travel up to 25% and work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones.

Benefits

Company equity for full-time employees.
Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
Generous paid time off; exempt staff may receive 20+ vacation days and non-exempt staff may receive 10+ vacation days, with the ability to cash out unused vacation annually.
Paid parental leave.
Short- and long-term disability insurance.
Life insurance.
Access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
ClassPass credits.
Personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health.
Other discounts and perks.
Free snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals; subsidized lunch.