Intern, Legal

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) Earth observation intelligence and advanced satellite technologies. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique? 

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

How this role fits in at Capella

The Legal Intern role at Capella Space is a unique opportunity for law students interested in exploring the day-to-day work of an in-house legal department for a leading Spacetech company. Our Legal Intern will have the opportunity not only to work on legal research and writing, but also to advise on commercial, regulatory and other in-house matters to support our mission of being the premier Earth Observation and signals platform in space for monitoring human and environmental activities on Earth. 

Capella Space’s Legal and Regulatory Compliance Department is comprised of a General Counsel (based in Washington, DC), Legal Counsel (based in Louisville, CO) and Regulatory Engineer (based in San Francisco).  As a Legal Intern, you will work closely with this team – and primarily the Legal Counsel located in Louisville -- giving you the unique opportunity to dig into the complex legal, regulatory and policy framework impacting our mission while advising internal stakeholders.  During the summer, you will hone your fundamental legal skills, build your in-house counsel foundation through practice and mentorship, and learn firsthand about Capella Space’s unique business and culture. The Legal Intern role will be in-person and based out of our office in Louisville, Colorado.

What you'll be doing during your internship

• Assist our legal team in solving challenging problems across a variety of substantive areas that are critical to our organization’s success, such as space law, commercial and government contracts, launch services agreements, NDAs and other agreements
• Monitor Capella Space’s compliance with export controls, FCC satellite licensing, NOAA remote sensing licensing rules and regulations applicable to our business
• Keep our legal and business teams apprised of important substantive legal developments that impact our day-to-day business in California and Colorado and across the U.S.
• Prepare, review and negotiate contract documents to support critical business needs
• Develop, revise and update corporate policies and core company processes in response to changing legal and regulatory landscapes
• Assist with corporate governance matters, equity and debt financing, stock option plan management and other organizational issues that are critical responsibilities for our in-house legal team
• Other projects as assigned

What you'll need to succeed

• Strong interest in and desire to learn more about in-house legal practice in a leading Spacetech company
• Currently enrolled within an accredited law school and completed one year (or more)
• Excellent analytical and writing skills
• Proficient legal research skills
• Strong communication and leadership skills demonstrated through leadership positions in community, school, or o