Senior Legal 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 to 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 rocket has 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 LEGAL COUNSEL

Based on site at Rocket Lab's 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 company’s growth and innovation.

WHAT YOU’LL 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.

YOU’LL 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 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.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 15+ 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.

This position may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, computer work, and occasional exposure to moderate levels of noise, dust, and fumes in production areas.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

WHAT TO EXPECT  

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s 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 other’s 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 View email address on click.appcast.io 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 here ITAR Regulations.