Act as a key resource for navigating legal challenges and ensuring Vast's success with customers-in the U.S. and around the world* Special Projects: Support our General Counsel and Associate General Counsel on special projects, as requested, and work independently with our internal legal support staff and other internal partners* Intellectual Property Management: Oversee and manage Vast's intellectual property portfolio, including coordination of patent, trademark, and trade secret matters; support IP strategy, filings, maintenance, enforcement, licensing, and related risk mitigation in alignment with business objectives and technology development* Process & Template Development: Help build and improve contract templates, playbooks, intake processes, and approval workflows to support faster, more consistent customer contracting across the business* Risk & Compliance: Identify and manage legal, regulatory, and operational risks related to commercial transactions, including supply chain, intellectual property, confidentiality, data privacy, export controls, and compliance obligationsMinimum Qualifications:* 2+ years of experience in a legal role at a private company or law firm* Subject matter expertise in commercial contracts and intellectual property* JD with admission to practice law in a state bar in good standing and able to practice in-house in California* Strong problem-solving experience and skills* Strong verbal and writing skills* Process-oriented and team player* Good judgment and the ability to balance risk and productivity in a business environment* Ability to work independently or collaboratively in a fast-pace environmentPreferred Skills & Experience:* A strong ability to inspire trust, forge relationships quickly, and earn the confidence and cooperation of business stakeholders* Diligent and proactive, you have demonstrated excellent legal and business judgment, technical acumen, communication skills and strategic thinking, along with the ability to work independently and cross-functionally with excellent time management and prioritization skills* Comfortable with and responsive to rapid developments and changes in direction; eager to learn new tech, products, and substantive legal areas to support multiple roles within the legal department* Familiarity with the aerospace industry and its unique legal challenges Ability to identify and mitigate legal risks while enabling business objectivesAdditional Requirements:* Ability to travel up to 25% of the time* Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestonesPay Range: California$155,000—$221,000 USDCOMPENSATION AND BENEFITSBase salary will vary depending on job-related knowledge, education, skills, experience, business needs, and market demand. Vast is developing next-generation space stations to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers.