Deputy General Counsel - Aerospace

Starlab Space is a US-led joint venture and partner network that is ensuring continued human present in low-earth orbit and dedicated to providing a seamless transition of microgravity research from the International Space Station into the new commercial space station era. Our global team combines decades of flight heritage and human spaceflight experience, from habitat infrastructure and robotic arms to daily payload operations and more.

We firmly believe in space as a tool for transformation, one that can exponentially improve life on earth.

Learn more about us at https://starlab-space.com/.

Job Summary:

The Deputy General Counsel will serve as second‑in‑command to the General Counsel and a key partner to the executive team, with primary responsibility for commercial contract support, equity and financing documentation, and ongoing corporate governance for a high‑growth Space company. The role combines hands‑on drafting and negotiation with strategic counseling on governance, compliance, risk, structure, and investor expectations.

Starlab's global headquarters is located in Webster, TX, near the Johnson Space Center. We are ideally seeking candidates in the metro areas of Houston, TX and Washington, D.C., but are willing to consider remote candidates.

Responsibilities:

• Provide expert legal counsel to senior leadership on business decisions, risk management, and regulatory compliance.

• Create, analyze, and revise legal agreements such as NDAs, vendor contracts, customer contracts, service agreements, and licensing deals.

• Work with investors, customers, clients, vendors, and other parties to ensure favorable and legally sound contract terms.

• Lead or support equity and debt financing transactions, including a private fundraise from term sheet through closing and post‑closing clean‑up.

• Manage, coordinate, execute and maintain all primary fundraising documents.

• Oversee the company’s capitalization table and equity programs in partnership with finance and HR, including option grants, and in compliance with plan documents and relevant securities law and “blue sky”

• Maintain organized records of contracts, amendments, and correspondence. including board and committee charters, policies, board minutes, resolutions, and approval processes.

• Ensure the organization adheres to laws, regulations, and internal policies across jurisdictions, and prepares itself for future space station project regulatory or permitting requirements.

• Manage legal disputes, coordinate with external counsel, and develop defensive strategies.

• Advise on board matters, shareholder issues, and internal governance policies.

• Protect and manage trademarks, patents, copyrights, and trade secrets.

• Assist leading the legal department, mentor staff, and manage relationships with outside counsel.

• Identify potential legal risks and propose strategies to mitigate them.

• Assist in resolving contract-related conflicts, including litigation support or arbitration.

EDUCATION

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school

CERTIFICATIONS & LICENSES

• Licensed to practice law in relevant jurisdiction with certificate of good standing

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

• 3-7 years of relevant experience

• Strategic thinking, critical analytical abilities and sound judgment

• Strong negotiation and communication abilities; able to communicate clearly with non‑lawyers, outside counsel, in-house counsel, investors and contract specialists

• Familiarity (expertise preferred) with U.S. securities laws relevant to private placements and employee equity programs

• Understanding of corporate, employment, and regulatory law

• Experience interacting with permitting or regulatory government officials

• High integrity, ethical standards and work ethic

• Ability to manage multiple complex, high‑priority matters simultaneously in a fast‑moving environment

• Sound judgment, low ego, and a willingness to roll up sleeves and handle matters ranging from routine contracts to board‑level matters

Please click “Apply” to submit your application.

Starlab offers a comprehensive, total compensation package, which includes competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, unlimited paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefit package, retirement savings, wellness program, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you’re not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

To meet obligations and signed agreements with NASA which allow access to necessary and critical data to perform these duties, you must be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from NASA, which authorization would not be granted for persons born in, or who have current or dual citizenship in, Russia, China (PRC) or any country from the designated countries list (https://www.state.gov/state-sponsors-of-terrorism/) that is on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list.

Starlab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. 

Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran

The statements contained in this job description are intended to describe the general content and requirements for performance of this job. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties, responsibilities, and requirements. This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter the scope of work within the framework of this job description at any time without prior notice.