Listed on Orbital Diplomat 1 Aug 2026
Thales Alenia Space is a global space manufacturer and joint venture between Thales (67%) and Leonardo (33%), delivering high-technology solutions for telecommunications, navigation, Earth observation, environmental management, exploration, science, and orbital infrastructure across more than 40 years of operations. With around 8,900 employees across 10 countries and 17 European sites, it is one of the largest and most strategically significant space prime contractors in the world, serving governments, space agencies, and commercial operators globally. This Legal and Contract Manager role provides legal and contract management expertise across a defined portfolio of tenders, contracts, complex subcontracts, and partnerships at Thales Alenia Space's Rome facility. The postholder will be involved across the full contract lifecycle — from bid preparation and contract drafting through negotiation, complex subcontract management, partnership structuring, and execution monitoring — working directly with programme teams and business units to ensure the company fulfils its rights and obligations under high-value space programme commitments. The role is directly relevant to space law practitioners with commercial and institutional contract experience who are seeking an in-house position at a major European space prime. Thales Alenia Space's programmes span ESA missions, EU institutional contracts, bilateral government agreements, and commercial satellite operator relationships — offering broad exposure to the full spectrum of space industry contracting.
Law degree or equivalent qualification relevant to contract and commercial law 7-10 years of experience in contract management, commercial law, or legal counsel roles Experience preparing bids, drafting and negotiating contracts, subcontracts, and partnership agreements in a complex industrial or technology environment Ability to monitor contract execution and manage legal risk across a portfolio of active programmes Fluent Italian (mandatory for CCNL employment); good command of English for international programme engagement Experience in aerospace, defence, or space industry contracting strongly preferred Familiarity with ESA or EU institutional procurement frameworks an asset