Associate General Counsel
About The Position
Vast is seeking an Associate General Counsel to support the development of systems for human-rated space stations and serve as the in-house legal lead for its national security and satellite business. Reporting to the General Counsel, this role advises on contracts, regulatory regimes, and security requirements that govern the design, manufacture, sale, and operation of spacecraft for defense, intelligence, and allied customers. The full-time, exempt position is located in Long Beach, California, or Washington, DC. The Associate General Counsel will advise on national security and defense contracting, structure and negotiate satellite and space systems transactions, and support international and allied engagements. The role partners with business development, capture, program management, security, finance, and engineering teams on major transactions, and provides practical legal advice that balances risk controls with business needs. The position may also support special projects with the Legal team and work independently with internal legal support staff and other partners. The position requires a JD, admission to a state bar in good standing, eligibility to practice in-house in California or the District of Columbia, at least nine years of legal experience, substantial government contracts and/or national security transactions experience, working knowledge of FAR and DFARS, and the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. Travel of up to 25% is required, along with 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, with ability to practice in-house in California or the District of Columbia.
- At least 9 years of experience in a legal role at a law firm or private company, with substantial experience in government contracts and/or national security-related transactions.
- Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and regulatory frameworks applicable to national security programs.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
- Strong problem-solving, verbal, and writing skills.
- Good judgment and ability to balance risk and productivity in a business environment.
- Process-oriented and collaborative, with ability 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
- Experience in the satellite, space, or broader aerospace and defense industry and its unique legal challenges.
- Experience negotiating OTs, SDA or Space Force agreements, or subcontracts under national security space programs.
- Hands-on experience with export licensing, CFIUS/FOCI mitigation, facility clearances, or classified program contracting.
- Active U.S. security clearance (Secret or above).
- Background at a prime contractor, government agency, or law firm with a national security or space practice.
- Ability to inspire trust, forge relationships quickly, and earn the confidence of 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
- Advise on and negotiate agreements with the DoW, Space Force, Space Development Agency, NRO, and other national security customers, including FAR/DFARS-based contracts, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), CRADAs, and prime and subcontractor arrangements.
- Support the full contracting lifecycle, from capture and proposal through negotiation, performance, and closeout.
- Structure and negotiate high-value transactions, including satellite bus and payload sales, on-orbit services, hosted payload and data agreements, launch services agreements, and teaming and joint development agreements.
- Support transactions and partnerships with allied governments and international commercial partners, balancing export, security, and commercial considerations.
- Provide practical, business-oriented legal guidance that enables teams to move quickly while maintaining appropriate risk controls.
- Partner with business development, capture, program management, security, finance, and engineering leadership throughout major transactions.
- Coordinate internal stakeholders and outside counsel to drive deals to completion.
- Support Legal team special projects as requested and work independently with internal legal support staff and other partners.
Benefits
- Company equity.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
- Paid time off, including up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff, 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; and an onsite barista.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
