Legal Counsel

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 USDCOMPENSATION