Description:

We are seeking an experienced Associate General Counsel (AGC) to join its Legal Department. This is a high-impact, generalist role for a seasoned attorney (10-12 years) who can operate independently across a broad range of corporate, commercial, finance and regulatory matters, with particular depth in satellite/space industry practice and U.S. government contracting.

The AGC will work directly with the General Counsel, executive team, and Board of Directors on matters spanning corporate governance, corporate finance, commercial and vendor contracting, and compliance with the specialized regulatory regimes that govern space and defense-related business (ITAR/EAR, FAR/DFARS, and related frameworks). The ideal candidate is a pragmatic, business-minded lawyer who can move fluidly between board-level governance work and day-to-day commercial and compliance execution. This is an opportunity to build core legal and governance infrastructure at a fast-growing space company at a pivotal stage of its growth.

This is a full-time, exempt position based on-site at our Irvine, California headquarters.

Key Responsibilities:

Serve as a trusted legal advisor to business, engineering, and government programs teams on a broad range of day-to-day legal matters.
Draft, negotiate, and manage commercial agreements, including supplier and vendor contracts, teaming and subcontract agreements, NDAs, IP licenses, and customer agreements.
Support U.S. government (primarily DOD) contracting matters, including proposal review, OTA and FAR-based contract negotiation, compliance with DFARS/FAR clauses, TINA and cost/pricing data requirements, and export control considerations under ITAR and EAR.
Advise on regulatory and licensing matters specific to the space industry, including FCC spectrum licensing, NOAA remote sensing licensing, and other launch/on-orbit authorizations, coordinating with outside regulatory counsel as needed.
Partner with the General Counsel on corporate governance matters, including board and committee materials, resolutions and written consents, entity management, and preparation for Series C financing and eventual IPO readiness.
Support debt and equity financing transactions, including credit facilities, private placements, and SAFEs, plus support the General Counsel in leading M&A transactions including acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, and strategic investments.
Support the company's compliance programs, including CUI handling, CMMC readiness, delegations of authority and records retention obligations across FAR, ITAR, and SOX-related frameworks.
Assist with privacy and data protection matters, including website and product privacy policies and compliance with applicable state privacy laws.
Manage and coordinate outside counsel across specialty areas (export control, IP/patent, litigation, employment, capital markets) to ensure efficient, cost-effective use of outside resources.
Help build and refine internal legal processes, templates, and playbooks to scale the Legal Department alongside company growth.

Minimum Qualifications:

J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing (California bar, or ability to obtain California registered in-house counsel status required).
10+ years of relevant legal experience, including a combination of law firm and in-house experience; in-house experience at a technology, aerospace, defense, or government contracting company strongly preferred.
Substantive experience with U.S. government contracting, including FAR/DFARS compliance, and familiarity with export control regimes (ITAR/EAR) as applied to space, defense, or dual-use technology.
Strong commercial contracting background, including drafting and negotiating complex technology, supply chain, and services agreements.
Working knowledge of Delaware corporate law and standard corporate governance practices for venture-backed companies (board/committee governance, equity financings, entity management).
Excellent judgment, ability to manage competing priorities, and comfort operating with a lean legal team in a fast-moving startup environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, actionable business guidance.
Ability to obtain and maintain a US security clearance.

Preferred Qualifications:

Direct experience in the satellite, launch, or broader space industry (commercial or government-facing).
Experience preparing a company for late-stage financing (Series C+) or IPO readiness.
Familiarity with CMMC, NIST 800-171, and CUI handling requirements.
Some familiarity with FCC spectrum licensing or NOAA remote sensing licensing a plus.
Active US security clearance.
Employees may be asked to support alternate shifts, extended shifts, and/or travel during peak work periods.

ITAR Requirements:
This position may include access to technology and/or software source code that is subject to U.S. export controls. To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.