What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Legal Counsel position at Vast?
Vast is seeking a Senior Legal Counsel to join our growing legal team, reporting directly to the General Counsel. This role will focus primarily on commercial contracts (approximately 50%)-particularly within supply chain and manufacturing; data privacy and intellectual property support (approximately 30%); as well as other critical legal matters supporting the design and construction of next-generation human-rated space stations. The remaining 20% will be focused on special projects.
This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.
Responsibilities:
- Commercial Contracts - Supply Chain & Manufacturing
- Draft, negotiate, and manage commercial agreements, with a focus on supply chain, and manufacturing.
- Support sourcing, engineering, and operations teams in structuring processes and contracts that balance legal protection and operational efficiency.
- Provide guidance in coordination with subject matter experts on key legal terms, including IP rights, indemnities, warranties, and regulatory compliance.
- Build and scale robust internal processes and partner with others on implementation and improvement of business systems.
- Data Privacy & Intellectual Property Support
- Support the development and management of data privacy programs, including compliance with applicable privacy laws and regulations.
- Advise on the protection, licensing, and enforcement of intellectual property assets.
- Enhance internal processes and coordination across departments to safeguard proprietary information and trade secrets.
- Leverage knowledge of related areas such as supply chain, ethics & compliance, and technology transactions.
- 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 claims, investigations, compliance concerns, and dispute resolution.
- Collaborate on special projects.
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 commercial contracting.
- Experience supporting supply chain and manufacturing legal operations.
- 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.
- 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.
- Specific certifications, as appropriate.