Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite, a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California, and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.

Vast is looking for an Associate General Counsel, reporting to the General Counsel, to support the development of the systems that will be required for the design and build of human-rated space stations. You will be the in-house legal lead for Vast’s national security and satellite business, advising on the contracts, regulatory regimes, and security requirements that govern how Vast designs, builds, sells, and operates spacecraft for defense, intelligence, and allied customers.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach OR Washington DC locations.

Responsibilities

National Security & Defense Contracting: Advise on and negotiate agreements with the DoW, Space Force, Space Development Agency, NRO, and other national security customers, including FAR/DFARS-based contracts, Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), CRADAs, and prime and subcontractor arrangements. Support the full lifecycle from capture and proposal through negotiation, performance, and closeout.
Satellite & Space Systems Transactions: Structure and negotiate high-value, bespoke deals, including satellite bus and payload sales, on-orbit services, hosted payload and data agreements, launch services agreements, and teaming and joint development agreements.
International & Allied Engagements: Support transactions and partnerships with allied governments and international commercial partners, balancing export, security, and commercial considerations.
Business Enablement: Provide practical, business-oriented legal guidance that lets teams move quickly while maintaining appropriate risk controls. Act as a trusted resource for navigating legal challenges and ensuring Vast’s success with customers in the U.S. and around the world.
Cross-Functional Deal Leadership: Partner closely with business development, capture, program management, security, finance, and engineering leadership throughout the lifecycle of major transactions, coordinating internal stakeholders and outside counsel to drive deals to completion.
Special Projects: Support the Legal team on special projects as requested, and work independently with internal legal support staff and other partners.

Minimum Qualifications

JD with admission to practice law in a state bar in good standing, and ability to practice in-house in California or the District of Columbia
9+ years of experience in a legal role at a law firm or private company, with substantial experience in government contracts and/or national security-related transactions
Working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and the regulatory frameworks that apply to national security programs
Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance
Strong problem-solving, verbal, and writing skills
Good judgment and the ability to balance risk and productivity in a business environment