Senior Counsel

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

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 space. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally supporting scientific exploration Earth observation and missions to combat climate change national security and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rockethas become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit all while we work to develop Neutron our upcoming medium-lift reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites payloads and their components including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SENIOR COUNSEL

Based on site at Rocket Labs Headquarters in Long Beach CA the Senior Counsel will play a key role in supporting the Legal Department and functional and program management teams across the organization. This role is ideal for a mid-level attorney with experience in contract drafting and negotiations dispute resolution and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will provide strategic legal advice to senior management for a publicly traded company performing U.S. Government contracts to ensure compliance and support the companys growth and innovation.

WHAT YOULL GET TO DO:

Manage contractual and operational legal matters for the company as well as provide legal support for mergers and acquisition transactions litigation matters and other compliance requirements. This includes:

• Leadership & Strategic Advisory:
• Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and business unit and operational leadership; translate business objectives into clear legal strategies and pragmatic risk mitigation.
• Lead contract and trade compliance teams; set goals coach performance and foster a culture of accountability and inclusion.
• Manage external counsel relationships and budgets focusing on reviewing legal bills and keeping costs under control.
• Establish and continuously improve legal processes policies and templates to scale support across the enterprise.
• Commercial and Government Contracts (Sales Procurement Operations):
• Draft review and negotiate a broad range of agreements including prime contracts with the US Government and subcontracts for work under US government prime contracts Master Service Agreements IP licensing non-disclosure agreements real property leases and strategic partnership agreements.
• Create and implement contract playbooks fallback positions templates and clause libraries to streamline cycles.
• Collaborate with business teams to balance risk with speed-to-value; maintain visibility into obligations and renewals.
• Compliance and Trade Compliance (Sanctions Export Controls Customs & Ethics):
• Advise on global trade compliance frameworks (e.g. sanctions screening EAR/ITAR classifications licensing technology transfers restricted party screening customs valuation/origin/marking).
• Develop and maintain policies SOPs and training; support audits and investigations; remediate findings.
• Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends; proactively update policies and training.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Enablement:
• Partner with Finance (pricing revenue recognition indemnities/limitations) IT/Security (data protection and controls) HR (employment matters) and Operations (Supply Chain quality and logistics).
• M&A Corporate Transactions & Due Diligence:
• Design and execute legal due diligence plans covering contracts operations IP privacy/security labor & employment environmental anti-bribery/anti-corruption sanctions/export controls material contracts and litigation.
• Coordinate cross-functional integration (risk remediation policy harmonization contract novations entity governance).
• Manage outside counsel efficiently balancing cost speed and risk.

YOULL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the California State Bar or Registered In-House Counsel (RIHC).
• Minimum of 8 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.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 10 years of experience strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to articulate and effectively communicate information to various levels of management and program teams.
• Experience managing a team of professionals. setting goals coaching performance and fostering a culture of accountability and inclusion.
• Extensive knowledge of Government contracts and contract types the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFAR).
• Experience supporting DoD and NASA prime contracts and/or subcontracts supporting DoD and NASA programs.
• Familiarity with the compliance requirements of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations and the Export Administration Regulations.
• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to take on greater responsibilities with potential for leadership opportunities over time.
• Capable of adapting to fast-paced changes shifting priorities evolving directions and addressing unique legal challenges.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret security clearance
• Domestic and International travel as necessary to support business needs.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision distance vision peripheral vision depth perception and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit use hands and fingers operate computer keyboard and controls and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust fumes and moderate levels of noise.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Were on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth but thats not an easy task. It takes hard work determination relentless innovation teamwork grit and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each others backs checking our egos at the door and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure work to tight deadlines and our focus is always on how we can deliver rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder) or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab including recruiting hiring placement promotion termination layoff recall transfer leaves of absence compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia Japan New Zealand Switzerland the European Union or a country that is part of NATO or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations click hereITAR Regulations.