Commercial Counsel

Neon Aerospace•Irvine, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Aerospace is at a turning point — costs are rising, supply chains are strained, and old ways of building can’t keep up. At Neon Aero, we’re breaking that mold. We move fast, think big, and combine start-up agility with aerospace expertise to design, build, and scale aircraft in ways the industry has never seen. Our team leverages automation, AI-driven tools, and a fully connected digital backbone to accelerate innovation and reduce barriers to production. Here, you won’t just take a job — you’ll help reinvent how the world flies. If you’re ready to solve complex problems, push technology further, and work alongside some of the brightest minds in aerospace, this is your chance to make a real impact. We are looking for an experienced Commercial Counsel, Contracts to support a rapidly growing aerospace company in California. In this role, you will lead complex commercial contracting work while also advising on broader corporate and strategic matters. You will partner closely with cross-functional teams and leadership to help the business move quickly, manage risk, and build scalable legal processes in a high-growth startup environment. Why This Role Matters You will play a central role in shaping and negotiating the agreements that support core business operations, strategic partnerships, and company growth. You will help leadership and cross-functional teams make practical, well-informed decisions by translating legal complexity into clear business guidance. You will support important corporate activities, including governance, financing-related matters, and strategic transactions. You will help strengthen internal legal infrastructure by improving templates, playbooks, and contracting processes that allow the company to scale effectively. You will operate in a fast-paced, project-driven environment where priorities can shift quickly based on business needs and transaction timelines. You will work in a hybrid setting with regular collaboration across commercial, operational, and strategic initiatives.

Requirements

J.D. from an accredited law school
Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar
Minimum of 5 years of post-qualification legal experience, preferably combining law firm and in-house experience
Significant experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial agreements
Strong understanding of corporate legal matters, including governance, financing, and strategic transactions
Ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal advice while managing legal and commercial risk
Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and operate with limited supervision
Strong commercial judgment and a pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach
Comfortable working in ambiguity and fast-moving startup environments
Ability to handle confidential, privileged, and sensitive information with sound judgment and professionalism
Prolonged periods sitting and working on a computer
Ability to participate in meetings, negotiations, and cross-functional discussions
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
May support matters involving ITAR-regulated, export-controlled, confidential, or otherwise sensitive business information

Nice To Haves

Supporting aerospace, aviation, space, defense, advanced manufacturing, technology, or engineering-focused businesses
Prior experience in a startup or high-growth company environment
Familiarity with California business practices and employment-related considerations
Experience supporting venture-backed companies and fundraising activities
Exposure to government contracting, export controls, or related regulatory matters

Responsibilities

Lead complex commercial contracting work.
Advise on broader corporate and strategic matters.
Partner closely with cross-functional teams and leadership.
Help the business move quickly, manage risk, and build scalable legal processes.
Shape and negotiate agreements that support core business operations, strategic partnerships, and company growth.
Translate legal complexity into clear business guidance.
Support important corporate activities, including governance, financing-related matters, and strategic transactions.
Strengthen internal legal infrastructure by improving templates, playbooks, and contracting processes.
Operate in a fast-paced, project-driven environment where priorities can shift quickly.
Work in a hybrid setting with regular collaboration across commercial, operational, and strategic initiatives.