We are seeking a
Senior Legal Counsel to lead and scale our commercial legal operations and serve as a key partner to business, finance, and operations teams. This is a foundational role responsible for developing and enhancing our commercial legal capabilities, from contract frameworks to risk management, while operating as a hands-on contributor.
You will report to the Vice President & General Counsel and play a critical role in enabling the company's growth through pragmatic, business-oriented legal guidance.
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES- Lead drafting, negotiation, and execution of a wide range of agreements, including customer and revenue-generating contracts, non-disclosure agreements, vendor, supplier, and manufacturing agreements, strategic partnerships, and joint development agreements.
- Partner closely with product, business development, and procurement teams to enable efficient deal execution.
- Develop scalable contracting processes, templates, and playbooks to accelerate deal velocity.
- Provide practical, risk-calibrated legal advice to cross-functional stakeholders.
- Translate complex legal concepts into clear business guidance for business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders.
- Support new product launches, pricing models, and go-to-market strategies.
- Build and implement contracting workflows, approval processes, and legal systems.
- Establish and maintain standard templates, clause libraries, and fallback positions.
- Improve legal operations to increase efficiency and reduce bottlenecks.
- Support corporate governance and entity management.
- Assist with employment matters, M&A, and other strategic transactions as needed.
- Manage outside counsel effectively across specialty areas.
- Support management of the company's intellectual property portfolio, including strategy, filings, and coordination with outside counsel.
- Support legal matters related to international operations, including cross-border compliance, corporate governance, employment matters, and coordination with local counsel.
- Identify and proactively manage legal and commercial risks across the business.
- Support development of internal policies and compliance programs.
- Partner with finance and operations on risk allocation and mitigation strategies.
JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS- Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active license to practice law in the United States.
- 10+ years of progressive legal experience supporting commercial transactions within aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or similarly regulated industries.
- Proven success leading contract negotiations on complex commercial transactions.
- Experience partnering with senior business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to support commercial objectives and risk management.
- Experience supporting complex commercial deals and cross-functional teams.
- Highly pragmatic with strong business judgment.
- Ability to balance speed and risk in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Hands-on and execution-oriented approach.
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE- Progressive law firm experience in in technology transactions and/or corporate securities.
- Exposure to government contracting.
- Experience scaling legal processes at an early-stage company.
CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans.
