Legal Counsel

Long Beach, California, United States

At Vast, our mission is to contribute to a future where billions of people are living and thriving in space. We are building artificial gravity space stations, allowing long-term stays in space without the adverse effects of zero-gravity. Our initial crewed space habitat will be Haven-1, scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station when it launches into low earth orbit in May 2026. 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 to join our growing legal team, reporting directly to the General Counsel. This role will focus primarily on Government Contracts (approximately 40%), with the remaining time supporting Commercial Contracts (approximately 40%)—particularly within supply chain and manufacturing—as well as other critical legal matters supporting the design and construction of next-generation human-rated space stations. With the remaining 20% focus on special projects.

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

Responsibilities: 

  • Government Contracts 

    • Structure, draft, and negotiate complex agreements with U.S. government agencies, prime contractors, and subcontractors.
    • Ensure full compliance with FAR, DFARS, NFS, and other agency-specific supplements and procurement rules.
    • Develop and execute contracting strategies that align with Vast’s business and regulatory requirements.
    • Translate complex government contracting frameworks into practical legal guidance for internal teams.
    • Advise internal stakeholders on bid strategies, performance obligations, risk allocation, and compliance in the federal contracting space.

  • Commercial Contracts – Supply Chain & Manufacturing

    • Draft, negotiate, and manage commercial agreements, with a focus on supply chain, manufacturing, and technology transactions.
    • Support sourcing, engineering, and operations teams in structuring deals that balance legal protection and operational efficiency.
    • Provide guidance on IP rights, indemnities, warranties, and regulatory compliance in complex commercial arrangements.
    • Help ensure contractual terms support the company’s broader business goals and legal risk posture.

  • Strategic Legal Advisory & Cross-Functional Support

    • Provide timely, business-oriented legal advice to stakeholders across multiple departments.
    • Identify and manage legal risks while enabling innovation and execution speed.
    • Support sensitive legal matters such as investigations, compliance concerns, and dispute resolution.
    • Collaborate on special projects and assist the General Counsel and Associate General Counsels with evolving priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • JD with active admission to a U.S. state bar in good standing; eligible to practice in-house in California.
  • 5+ years of experience in a legal role within a law firm, private company, or government agency.
  • Subject matter expertise in both government and commercial contracting.
  • Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating contracts under FAR/DFARS and with federal or defense contractors.
  • 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:

  • Deep understanding of aerospace industry legal frameworks, especially related to government and technology contracts.
  • Experience supporting supply chain and manufacturing legal operations.
  • 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 to support critical mission milestones
  • Ability to lift up to 50 lbs unassisted
  • Specific certifications, as appropriate

Pay Range: 

  • Legal Counsel : $145,000 -$195,000

Salary 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, flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, One Medical membership, 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, 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.

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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 be considered for deemed export licensing. To assist Vast in assessing its export compliance obligations in relation to your application, please identify which ITAR/EAR status applies to you:

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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 be considered for deemed export licensing. To assist Vast in assessing its export compliance obligations in relation to your application, please identify which ITAR/EAR status applies to you:

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