Senior Legal Counsel

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and business unit leadership
• Lead contract and trade compliance teams and manage external counsel relationships
• Draft, review, and negotiate a broad range of agreements including US Government prime contracts and subcontracts
• Advise on global trade compliance frameworks including EAR/ITAR classifications and sanctions screening
• Design and execute legal due diligence plans for M&A and corporate transactions
• Partner with Finance, IT, HR, and Operations on cross-functional legal matters

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• Active membership in the California State Bar or Registered In-House Counsel (RIHC)
• Minimum of 12 years of legal experience
• Proven experience as in-house counsel or at a top-tier law firm
• Experience in negotiating contracts, non-disclosure agreements, and IP licenses

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience
• Experience managing a team of professionals
• Extensive knowledge of Government contracts, FAR, and DFAR
• Experience supporting DoD and NASA prime contracts or subcontracts
• Familiarity with ITAR and EAR compliance requirements

About the Company

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access to space.