Associate General Counsel

Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered inLong Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for an Associate General Counsel, reporting to the General Counsel, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations. You will be the in-house legal lead for Vast’s national security and satellite business, advising on the contracts, regulatory regimes, and security requirements that govern how Vast designs, builds, sells, and operates spacecraft for defense, intelligence, and allied customers.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach OR Washington DC  locations. 

Responsibilities: 

• National Security & Defense Contracting: 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 lifecycle from capture and proposal through negotiation, performance, and closeout.
• Satellite & Space Systems Transactions: Structure and negotiate high-value, bespoke deals, including satellite bus and payload sales, on-orbit services, hosted payload and data agreements, launch services agreements, and teaming and joint development agreements.
• International & Allied Engagements: Support transactions and partnerships with allied governments and international commercial partners, balancing export, security, and commercial considerations.
• Business Enablement: Provide practical, business-oriented legal guidance that lets teams move quickly while maintaining appropriate risk controls. Act as a trusted resource for navigating legal challenges and ensuring Vast’s success with customers in the U.S. and around the world.
• Cross-Functional Deal Leadership: Partner closely with business development, capture, program management, security, finance, and engineering leadership throughout the lifecycle of major transactions, coordinating internal stakeholders and outside counsel to drive deals to completion.
• Special Projects: Support the Legal team on special projects as requested, and work independently with internal legal support staff and other partners.

Minimum Qualifications:

• JD with admission to practice law in a state bar in good standing, and ability to practice in-house in California or the District of Columbia
• 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 the regulatory frameworks that apply 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 the ability to balance risk and productivity in a business environment
• Process-oriented, collaborative, and able to work independently in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with 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

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones

Pay Range: California

$237,000—$337,000 USD

We calibrate level and compensation to the selected candidate's experience and demonstrated capability. We welcome applicants across a range of experience levels to apply.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Base salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Salary is just one component of our comprehensive compensation package. Full-time employees also receive company equity, as well as access to a full suite of compelling benefits and perks, including: medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents, generous paid time off; up to 20+ days of vacation for exempt staff and up to 10+ days of vacation for non-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, and other discounts and perks. We also take pride in offering exceptional food perks, with snacks, drip coffee & onsite barista, cold drinks, and dinner meals remaining free of charge, and lunch subsidized as part of Vast’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality meals for employees.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

Vast is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Vast is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.