Senior Legal Counsel

Sierra Space CareersAt Sierra Space, we build the missions and systems that keep our world secure in the domain above Earth.Sierra Space team members share a spirit of innovation and collaboration and a belief that we can deliver on the boldest missions in space today. Together with our customers, we aim to safeguard our nation, sustain human presence in space, and secure the freedom of operations in low Earth orbit and beyond.Our success is measured by the trust of those who rely on what we build and deliver, and our technologies keep the United States and its allies mission-ready throughout space.We are mission-driven, and together, we are an extraordinary team.About the RoleThe Senior Legal Counsel at Sierra Space will serve as a strategic business partner and trusted advisor to executive leadership, independently managing high-stakes legal matters while proactively mitigating risk and enabling business objectives in the aerospace industry. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, this role requires a seasoned legal professional with deep expertise who can autonomously balance complex legal considerations with commercial imperatives in a fast-paced, innovative environment, while providing mentorship to junior legal staff and serving as a catalyst for organizational excellence.About YouOur mission is driven by an unyielding commitment to advancing space-based technology in service of our customers and safeguarding national security. We seek individuals who are passionate about innovating beyond boundaries and relentlessly pursuing solutions that protect, preserve and empower – to join us in this critical mission.We're looking for team members who align with our values, mission and goals – while also meeting the minimum qualifications below. The preferred qualifications are a bonus, not a requirement.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic legal counsel that directly influences executive decision-making on matters affecting company operations, risk management, growth initiatives, and long-term business strategyLead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex, high-value commercial contracts and agreements, including master supplier agreements, technology licensing arrangements, joint venture structures, strategic partnerships, and commercial real estate transactionsLead or play a key advisory role in M&A transactions, capital markets activities, and other strategic business transactions, providing comprehensive legal oversight from due diligence through integrationServe as a strategic advisor on employment law matters, providing counsel on executive compensation, workforce restructuring, and complex HR initiatives with significant legal or business impactDevelop, implement, and continuously improve company-wide policies and procedures; assess effectiveness and drive enhancements aligned with evolving business needsManage and provide strategic direction to outside counsel relationships; evaluate performance, control costs, and ensure alignment with business objectivesDesign, implement, and lead comprehensive compliance programs tailored to aerospace industry regulations; drive continuous improvement and proactively address emerging compliance risksAdvise senior leadership on corporate governance best practices; prepare materials for and support Board of Directors and committee meetings on sensitive and strategic mattersProactively monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting the aerospace and defense sectors; translate implications into actionable guidance and strategic recommendationsDevelop and execute enterprise-wide legal risk mitigation strategies; build scalable frameworks that support organizational growthTranslate complex regulatory requirements into pragmatic operational plans and business processes; partner with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless implementationChampion a culture of ethics, integrity, and accountability throughout the organization; serve as a role model for professional excellenceProvide legal mentorship and guidance to junior legal staff; may supervise direct reports or coordinate legal workstreamsRequired QualificationsJuris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law schoolActive bar membership in good standing in relevant jurisdiction(s)Minimum of 8-12 years of progressive legal experience, with a combination of law firm and in-house experience strongly preferred; aerospace, defense, or heavily regulated industry experience highly desirableProven track record of providing strategic legal counsel that influences business outcomes at the executive level; demonstrated ability to independently manage complex, multi-faceted legal matters with minimal supervisionDemonstrated leadership in managing cross-functional legal projects and guiding teams through complex initiativesExceptional legal writing, negotiation, and advocacy skills with ability to distill complex legal issues into clear, actionable guidance for diverse stakeholders at all organizational levelsStrong business acumen with demonstrated ability to balance legal risk against commercial objectives and deliver pragmatic, business-focused counselPreferred QualificationsDeep expertise in multiple legal disciplines including complex commercial transactions, corporate governance, sophisticated employment matters, corporate and securities law, commercial real estate, intellectual property strategy, and regulatory compliance frameworksSubstantial experience advising on capital markets transactions and M&A, including public and private securities offerings, complex debt financings, public and private company acquisitions, joint ventures, spin-offs, and corporate restructurings, with proven ability to navigate intricate regulatory frameworks, manage deal teams, and provide strategic legal counsel that shapes transaction outcomesComprehensive, current knowledge of laws, regulations, and legal frameworks specific to aerospace and defense, including ITAR/EAR export controls, FAR/DFARS procurement regulations, FCC licensing, FAA regulations, and emerging commercial space law and policyTrack record of successfully managing outside counsel across multiple matters and practice areas; ability to set clear expectations, evaluate quality, and optimize legal spendStrong financial and budget management acumen; experience managing significant legal budgets while maintaining rigorous quality standardsExperience designing and implementing enterprise-wide compliance programs, conducting comprehensive risk assessments, and leading remediation effortsExperience providing counsel to boards of directors, audit committees, and executive leadership on governance, fiduciary duties, and high-stakes strategic mattersCompensation :Pay Range:$227,611.00 - $312,965.50Your actual base compensation will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related knowledge and skills, education, experience, internal equity and market competitiveness.Skills & AttributesStrategic and anticipatory thinking with ability to identify emerging legal and business issues before they become problemsExceptional judgment, analytical rigor, and creative problem-solving abilities in high-pressure, ambiguous situationsStrong executive presence and leadership capabilities; ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive organizational changeOutstanding written and verbal communication skills; ability to build compelling legal arguments and deliver persuasive presentations to executive and board-level audiencesAbility to manage competing priorities, work effectively under pressure, and consistently meet critical deadlinesUnwavering commitment to ethical standards, professional responsibility, and integrityProactive, solutions-oriented approach that anticipates legal needs and delivers business-enabling counselCollaborative and relationship-focused work style with proven ability to build trust and credibility across all organizational levels and with external stakeholdersEmbodies company values and holds self and others accountable to the highest standards of professional excellenceElevate Your CareerAt Sierra Space, we are committed to your personal and professional development. We empower you to make profound and meaningful contributions and foster a vibrant culture of collaboration, where teamwork ignites breakthrough innovations.We also offer a generous benefit package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, 401(k) with 150% match up to 6%, life insurance, 3 weeks paid time off, and more.Sierra Space is an industry-leading space and defense technology company providing satellites, spacecraft, and enabling mission systems and components. We deliver mission-proven technologies to our customers that safeguard our nation, protect space-based assets and enable space exploration.Application Deadline: This role will remain posted until a qualified pool of candidates is identified.Sierra Space Corporation is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need special assistance or a reasonable accommodation related to applying for employment with Sierra Space or at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact us.