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Corporate Counsel

Mojave, CA

Stratolaunch is a technology accelerator that engineers operationally realistic testing at Mach 5+. Our air-launched, Talon testbeds are reusable, cost-effective platforms that enable routine access to the hypersonic environment. We deliver flight data critical to validating system performance and achieving rapid technology deployment. Together with our customers, we drive innovations that are imperative to advancing national security.

Stratolaunch is seeking an experienced Corporate Counsel to support the company’s legal, contractual, and compliance needs across a fast-moving aerospace and defense environment. This role will report to the Head of Contracts and Legal and will provide practical, business-oriented legal support with a primary focus on government contracting, aerospace/defense transactions, corporate governance, and strategic growth initiatives, including preparation for potential future capital markets activity.

 

The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in federal government contracts, experience supporting complex aerospace or defense programs, and familiarity with the legal and governance workstreams associated with IPO readiness, financing transactions, and public-company style compliance disciplines. This individual must be comfortable operating in a dynamic environment, partnering directly with executive leadership, supply chain, finance, HR, engineering, and program teams to identify risk, enable business objectives, and maintain compliance.

 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide day-to-day legal support across commercial, corporate, compliance, and operational matters.
  • Draft, review, and negotiate a wide range of agreements, including:
    • S. Government prime contracts and subcontracts
    • OTAs, BAAs, CRADAs, teaming agreements, NDAs, and MOUs
    • Commercial customer contracts
    • Vendor, consulting, services, and technology agreements
  • Advise internal stakeholders on FAR/DFARS compliance, public contract formation, flowdowns, changes, claims, disputes, intellectual property, and data rights.
  • Support legal review of solicitations, proposals, terms and conditions, and contractual risk allocation for aerospace and defense programs.
  • Partner with supply chain and contracts personnel on subcontracting strategy, supplier terms, risk mitigation, and compliance issues.
  • Support export control, regulatory, and compliance matters, including coordination with internal stakeholders on ITAR, EAR, CUI, NIST 800-171, and related obligations.
  • Assist with corporate governance matters, including board materials, resolutions, entity management, delegated authorities, and internal policy development.
  • Help build and maintain scalable legal processes, templates, playbooks, and training materials for a growing company.
  • Support legal diligence, disclosure preparation, governance enhancements, and other workstreams associated with IPO readiness, financing events, and strategic transactions.
  • Advise on employment-related matters in coordination with HR and outside counsel, as needed.
  • Manage outside counsel efficiently and cost-effectively.
  • Identify legal and compliance risks early and provide practical, solutions-oriented guidance aligned with business objectives.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • D. from an accredited law school.
  • Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
  • 7+ years of relevant legal experience, with meaningful in-house and/or law firm experience supporting government contracts and corporate matters.
  • Demonstrated experience with U.S. government contracting, including FAR/DFARS, prime contracts, subcontracts, and proposal/solicitation review.
  • Experience supporting clients or companies in the aerospace, defense, aviation, space, or other highly regulated technology sectors.
  • Working knowledge of key government contracting risk areas, including changes, claims, terminations, data rights, IP allocation, compliance, and audit exposure.
  • Experience advising senior business stakeholders and cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong drafting, negotiation, issue-spotting, and risk assessment skills.
  • Strong business judgment and the ability to balance legal risk with operational realities.

 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • In-house legal experience at an aerospace, defense, government technology, or public/pre-IPO company.
  • Experience with IPO readiness, securities law support, disclosure controls, corporate governance, and public-company preparation.
  • Familiarity with:
    • OTAs and non-traditional defense contracting vehicles
    • Export controls and trade compliance
    • Cybersecurity and data protection compliance in government contracting environments
    • Intellectual property and technical data rights in aerospace/defense programs
  • Experience supporting strategic transactions, financings, or major corporate initiatives.
  • Ability to operate with a high degree of independence and sound judgment in an evolving organization.

 

 

Special remarks regarding work environment, if applicable

  • This position is located in Mojave, CA but may be remote

Base salary and leveling are established on a case-by-case basis. We consider several factors to ensure a competitive offer, including your location, educational background, and a comprehensive assessment of the skills and experience demonstrated during your interviews.

Benefits and our location(s): 

  • 9/80 schedule
  • Healthcare (medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs)
  • Paid Maternity and Parental Leave
  • 50% company match per contributed dollar into 401(k) savings plan, up to $11,500
  • Tuition reimbursement

This position may involve the operation of company vehicles as part of assigned duties.

Mojave Air & Spaceport is located just outside of Lancaster/Palmdale and is only 95 miles north of Los Angeles.  The area offers both affordability and central access to a variety of California's best attractions and landmarks.  

Not much for the outdoors and prefer the city life? You’re within a half day’s drive or less of Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, and San Francisco where you can find a variety of live entertainment, museums, tours, and historical sight-seeing. Theme parks are in abundance, with Six Flags Magic Mountain, Disneyland, and Knotts Berry Farm ready to meet the needs of rollercoaster thrill seekers. 

Food and drink fanatics are in a haven of delectable choices. Wine aficionados will also find easy access to some of the state’s best vino in Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, and even more locally in Tehachapi and Agua Dulce. Beer fanatics will find some of the best West Coast IPAs at Bravery and Lucky Luke’s in Lancaster. Any food option you crave is covered, and we always recommend the authentic and fresh Mexican food that you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.

 

Stratolaunch is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at our company. We encourage people from all walks of life to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by law. Our management team does not tolerate discrimination or harassment at any point during our employees’ and applicants’ time with us, especially with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, and general treatment during employment.  For purposes of transparency, U.S. Citizenship may be required for some positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

 

Equal Employment Opportunity is the Law :

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

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