Legal Counsel

Vast•Long Beach, CA 90801, US• Full Time

Posted 2 hours ago• Legal & Compliance• G&A

Compensation

$145,000–$195,000/year

Job Description

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. Vast is developing next-generation space stations 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. Using an incremental, hardware-rich and low-cost approach, Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station. 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, followed by additional Haven modules to enable permanent human presence by 2030. Our team is all-in, committed to executing our mission safely and on time. If you want to work with the most talented people on Earth furthering space exploration for humanity, come join us.

Vast is seeking a Legal Counsel, reporting to the General Counsel, to provide an array of legal support to include corporate matters, commercial contracts, and other matters required for designing and building of next generation human-rated space stations.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including legal, finance, and business development, to develop and implement government contracting strategies.
Provide legal counsel and strategic guidance to internal stakeholders on a wide range of corporate matters and commercial contracts.
Structure and negotiate transactions ranging from standard agreements to highly complex deals, ensuring alignment with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
Collaborate on special projects and assist the General Counsel and Legal Department with evolving priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

2+ years of experience in a legal role at a private company, law firm, or government agency
JD with active admission to a U.S. state bar in good standing; eligible to register for in-house practice in California.
Strong verbal and written communication skills; excellent judgment and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

Demonstrated subject matter expertise in corporate matters.
Experience drafting and negotiating complex transactions, establishing legal entities, and managing all associated compliance obligations..
A strong ability to inspire trust, forge relationships quickly, and earn the confidence and cooperation of business stakeholders.
Strong relationship-building skills with both internal teams and external partners.
Proactive and pragmatic approach to legal counseling and risk management.
Demonstrated ability to manage shifting priorities and take initiative in unfamiliar legal areas.
Familiarity with internal policy development and enforcement in a highly regulated environment.

Additional Requirements:

Ability to travel up to 15% of the time
Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends
Specific certifications, as appropriate

Pay Range: California

$145,000—$195,000 USD

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: 100% 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.

U.S. EXPORT CONTROL COMPLIANCE STATUS

The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a “U.S. person” as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. This status includes U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending.

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.