Legal Counsel

Vast is seeking a Legal Counsel to join our growing legal team, reporting directly to the General Counsel. This role will focus primarily on commercial contracts (approximately 60%)—particularly within supply chain and manufacturing; medical team support (approximately 20%); 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.

• Medical Team Support
  • Support expansion of space medicine capabilities and the related complexities.
  • Enhance internal processes and coordination across departments.
  • Leverage knowledge of related areas such as supply chain, ethics & compliance, and data privacy.

• 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 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.
• 2+ 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.