Legal Counsel - Technology & Trade Compliance

As Legal Counsel - Technology & Trade Compliance, this isn't your typical legal position. At Kepler, you'll be embedded in a fast-moving team, helping to shape how we operate globally by balancing legal precision with bold innovation. You'll provide hands-on legal expertise across a vast array of commercial agreements and government engagements, all while supporting cutting-edge space technology projects. As we push the boundaries of space-based connectivity, your work will ensure Kepler remains not only compliant but competitive in a highly regulated and technically complex landscape. Your decisions will directly influence how we launch, partner, build, and operate globally. Key Responsibilities: Technology & Commercial Contracting • Draft, negotiate, and review a wide variety of commercial and technology contracts, including NDAs, software licenses, supplier/vendor agreements, and customer agreements • Support Kepler's intellectual property strategy development • Serve as a legal point of contact for engineering, project management, business development, regulatory, and supply chain teams for contracting and operational legal issues Government Contracting & Proposals • Support negotiations and compliance for government contracts and funding agreements in Canada (ISED, CSA), the United States (NASA, SDA), and Europe (ESA) • Review and advise on flow down requirements, IP provisions, export controls, and other government terms • Provide legal support on RFP responses, grant applications, and strategic proposals, working closely with business development and program teams Legal Advisory • Provide strategic legal counsel to internal teams on contractual and governance matters • Advise on legal matters across a broad range of corporate initiatives, coordinating with external counsel as needed • Support Kepler's internal compliance programs, including those related to privacy, data governance, and information security Training & Policy Development • Draft and maintain internal legal procedures, manuals, and compliance protocols • Contribute to team knowledge-sharing and build scalable legal operations and document templates, leveraging Kepler's AI solutions Required Skills & Qualifications: • JD or LLB degree with license to practice law in Ontario (or eligibility to be licensed) • 5+ years of relevant experience in related legal and compliance functions • Exceptional judgment and integrity • Strong negotiator and communicator, with the ability to articulate complex concepts to diverse audiences and effectively engage with stakeholders at various levels • Willingness to work on projects of all types and resourcefulness to bring legal expertise on a variety of topics • Demonstrated ability to independently draft and negotiate a range of commercial and technology contracts • Ability to work hybrid 3+ days in our Toronto HQ Bonus Points: • Expertise in export controls and international trade law • Demonstrated expertise in Canadian CGP and U.S. ITAR/EAR frameworks • Experience acting as a Designated Official under the CGP or equivalent role • Experience in the aerospace, satellite, or defense industry • Familiarity with OFAC sanctions, dual-use technology, and international treaties • Privacy and data protection experience • Bilingual (English/French) is an asset • Security clearance or eligibility to obtain one