Associate General Counsel

Vast•Columbia, WA

9d•$237,000 - $337,000•Onsite

About The Position

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, low-cost approach. The company is building its multi-module Haven Station and satellite products to serve government, corporate, and private customers, and has more than 1,000 employees. Vast is headquartered in Long Beach, California, and has facilities to manufacture and operate space stations and related systems. The Associate General Counsel reports to the General Counsel and serves as the in-house legal lead for Vast’s national security and satellite business. The role advises on contracts, regulatory regimes, and security requirements governing the design, construction, sale, and operation of spacecraft for defense, intelligence, and allied customers. This is a full-time, exempt position based in either Long Beach, California, or Washington, DC. The role works closely with business development, capture, program management, security, finance, and engineering teams, as well as outside counsel, to support major transactions from initial capture and proposal through negotiation, performance, and closeout. The position may require travel up to 25% and evening or weekend work to support critical mission milestones.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) and admission to practice law in a state bar in good standing, with the 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 the 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 familiarity with its 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 at Secret level or above.
Background at a prime contractor, government agency, or law firm with a national security or space practice.
Ability to inspire trust, build 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 motivation to learn new technologies, products, and substantive legal areas.

Responsibilities

Advise on and negotiate agreements with the Department of War, 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 lifecycle of government and national security contracts, from capture and proposal through negotiation, performance, and closeout.
Structure and negotiate satellite and space systems 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.
Serve as a trusted resource for navigating legal challenges and supporting customer relationships in the United States and internationally.
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, working independently with internal legal support staff and other partners.

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+ days of vacation and non-exempt staff may receive 10+ 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, dinner meals, and onsite barista service; lunch is subsidized.