Rocket Lab Corporation

Senior Legal Counsel

Long Beach, CA · Senior

Work authorization required$200k-$250kDetected 28 days ago

ValuationM&ASupply ChainLogisticsProcurementContract ManagementLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationMentoring

About the role

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.

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.
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.
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.
Partner with Finance (pricing, revenue recognition, indemnities/limitations), IT/Security (data protection and controls), HR (employment matters), and Operations (Supply Chain, quality and logistics).
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.
Manage outside counsel efficiently, balancing cost, speed, and risk.

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.
Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
Active membership in the California State Bar or Registered In-House Counsel (RIHC).

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.
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.

Monitor regulatory developments and industry trends; proactively update policies and training.

Range (CA Only)
$200,000 - $250,000 USD
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.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at g.biow@rocketlabusa.com.

This listing is sourced directly from Rocket Lab Corporation's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.