In-House Legal Counsel (Aerospace)

TL;DR

In-House Legal Counsel (Aerospace): Provide strategic legal guidance on M&A, commercial contracts, vendor negotiations, equity management, and regulatory compliance for a space launch and satellite propulsion company with an accent on ITAR/EAR/FAA frameworks, government/defense agreements, and high-stakes transactions. Focus on leading due diligence, drafting/negotiating complex agreements, mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance in a fast-paced environment.

Alameda, CA. Must be a U.S. Person (citizen, permanent resident, or protected individual) per ITAR/EAR requirements; ability to obtain necessary clearances or licenses.

$198,150-264,176

Company

hirify.global provides low-cost dedicated orbital launch services and flight-proven electric propulsion systems for satellites to create a healthier, more connected planet.

What you will do

• Lead M&A transactions including due diligence, structuring, negotiation, and integration; coordinate with external advisors.
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements like development contracts, licenses, NDAs, SaaS, and government/defense contracts; develop templates and playbooks.
• Manage vendor/supplier negotiations, procurement agreements, and dispute resolution with Supply Chain teams.
• Administer equity program using Carta: grants, RSUs, exercises, 409A valuations; handle securities compliance and investor matters.
• Advise on aerospace regulations (FAA, ITAR, EAR), compliance policies, legislative monitoring; support employment, IP, privacy, governance.
• Manage outside counsel, legal spend, board meetings, and corporate records.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from ABA-accredited law school and active membership in the California State Bar.
• 7–10 years legal experience, preferably mix of top-tier law firm and in-house.
• Demonstrated M&A experience: due diligence, drafting, negotiations.
• Extensive contracts experience in commercial, technology, government/defense agreements.
• Hands-on vendor/supplier negotiations at scale.
• Proficiency with Carta for equity/cap table management.
• Excellent communication to translate legal issues into business advice; manage high-volume workload independently.
• Proven use of AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) for efficiency.
• U.S. Person status or ability to receive trade license; compliance with background checks and U.S./CA laws.

Nice to have

• Experience in aerospace, defense, aviation, or regulated tech.
• Familiarity with ITAR, EAR, FAR/DFARS, FAA.
• Supporting venture-backed/public companies through growth.
• Securities law, corporate governance, financing.

Culture & Benefits

• Competitive salary, equity package.
• Health, vision, dental insurance, 401K.
• Lunch provided, snacks/drinks.
• Reasonable accommodations for disabilities.
• Equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.