Senior Counsel

The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.

Job Summary

The Aerospace Corporation is seeking a Senior Counsel to provide legal counsel that protects the corporation's rights, assets, and operations while ensuring government and commercial business activities comply with applicable laws, Executive Orders, and policies. The Senior Counsel will assist with the resolution of complex legal matters, conduct research on legal aspects of business and corporate activities, maintain awareness of potential risks and obligations, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

This is a full-time position located in El Segundo, CA, which requires 100% onsite work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Provide strategic legal counsel on corporate transactions, commercial agreements, government contracts, and international matters
• Manage compliance intake, review, and resolution processes, including ethics advisement consistent with federal law and policy
• Collaborate with technical staff on new technology development and intellectual property matters
• Draft, negotiate, and refine corporate policies related to FFRDCs, 501(c) (3) operations, national security, space domain activities, privacy, cybersecurity, software licensing, and AI utilization
• Support procurement, contracting, and transactional functions across the enterprise
• Conduct legal research and analysis on emerging issues impacting corporate activities and permissible nonprofit/FFRDC operations
• Advise on new business opportunities, regulatory compliance, and organizational conflict of interest matters
• Manage the corporate confidentiality program, including drafting and negotiating NDAs and interpreting confidentiality provisions
• Review employee outside activities, financial interests, and government employment applications; develop and implement conflict mitigation plans as needed
• Design and deliver training programs on ethics, anti-corruption, confidentiality, contracts, and intellectual property

What You Need to be Successful

Minimum Requirements for a Senior Counsel include:  

• Juris Doctorate (J.D.) degree from an accredited institution is required
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressive legal experience with increasing levels of responsibility and complexity is required
• Current, active membership in good standing of at least one U.S. state bar (California or Virginia bar admission preferred)
• Substantive experience in one or more of the following legal disciplines:
  • Ethics, conflicts of interest, and professional responsibility
  • Compliance programs and risk management
  • National security and government contracts law
  • General corporate counsel and transactional matters
  • Nonprofit corporate governance and tax-exempt organizations
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and business judgment skills
• This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Experience in aerospace, defense, government, or related national security sectors
• Familiarity with Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) operations, governance, and compliance requirements
• Knowledge of space technologies, space policy, or space domain awareness initiatives

We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business.  The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below.  Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.

(Min - Max)

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans

• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation

• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options

• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire

• Flexible spending accounts

• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions

• Relocation assistance

• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career

• Education assistance programs

• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from various backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at peoplemangmnt.mailbox@aero.org . You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal.