Senior Counsel

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering launch services, spacecraft design and manufacturing, satellite components, and mission services. Its Electron rocket is the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually, with more than 230 satellites delivered to orbit, while Neutron — its medium-lift reusable vehicle — is in active development. Rocket Lab's Space Systems business supports NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and contributes components to programmes including the James Webb Space Telescope. This Senior Counsel role is a broad, high-responsibility position supporting Rocket Lab's Legal Department and functional teams across a publicly traded company performing significant U.S. Government and commercial contracts. The portfolio spans commercial and government contract drafting and negotiation (including FAR/DFARS prime contracts and subcontracts), global trade compliance (ITAR, EAR, sanctions, customs), M&A due diligence and integration, and cross-functional legal advisory to Finance, HR, IT, and Operations. The role also carries leadership responsibilities — managing contract and trade compliance teams, setting goals, overseeing external counsel budgets, and building scalable legal processes. A DoD Top Secret clearance eligibility is required, and ITAR eligibility is mandatory. The position is fully on-site in Long Beach.

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school with active California State Bar membership or Registered In-House Counsel (RIHC) status Minimum 8 years of legal experience; 10+ years strongly preferred Proven in-house or top-tier law firm experience in commercial and/or government contract negotiation Experience with global trade compliance frameworks including ITAR, EAR, sanctions screening, and customs Demonstrated M&A due diligence and integration experience Ability to obtain a DoD Top Secret security clearance US Person status required for ITAR compliance Desirable: experience with DoD and NASA prime contracts and FAR/DFARS Desirable: experience managing a team of legal professionals