Legal Counsel

Capella Space stands at the forefront of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite technology and signal intelligence. We provide customers in governments, academia, and commercial sectors with reliable information that enables unparalleled understanding of the world. Our mission is centered on delivering timely and reliable Earth imagery, supporting diverse applications in defense & intelligence, disaster response, energy, environmental monitoring and more. Utilizing cutting-edge technology, Capella Space designs, manufactures and operates an advanced constellation of SAR imaging satellites. Our market-leading SAR satellites are complemented by an unmatched data infrastructure and automated ordering and delivery platform for fast, reliable insights where and when customers need it most. 

Recognized for our technological prowess, Capella Space was honored as one of the 10 most innovative companies in Space in 2023 by FASTCOMPANY. Capella Space is an internationally trusted Earth Observation data provider, working closely with the U.S. Space Systems Command, U.S. Space Force, NASA, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. National Reconnaissance Office, the Canadian Government and more to make unclassified, high-resolution SAR data more accessible.  

What Makes Capella Unique? 

Capella Space is a highly collaborative team environment, providing an opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in the space industry, though no prior space experience is needed.  We’re looking for people excited about tackling seemingly impossible challenges, learning new skills and concepts, and helping each other achieve success. Our mission and our products are meant to understand the whole world and help everyone in it - regardless of race, creed, or any other distinction. We encourage you to bring your unique perspective to help make us stronger, including applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. 

About the Role 

Capella Space is building an industry transforming SAR data platform with the ability to request and receive high quality SAR imagery in a matter of minutes instead of weeks. As the Legal Counsel, you will be working under the supervision of the General Counsel & Secretary and in close collaboration with a Regulatory Engineer who assists with regulatory matters in the Legal and Regulatory Compliance Department (LRC Department).  

Your primary focus will be drafting, reviewing and advising on day to day commercial and government transactions with customers and vendors. You will also assist with corporate transactions and the Company’s regulatory compliance, employee and other in-house legal matters, always striving to mitigate Company risk. This role combines both strategic input to the General Counsel and the ability to work independently providing responsive, operational, day to day, attention to the Company’s legal and regulatory matters as they arise, providing legal advice to the company’s senior management team, business units and other stakeholders and negotiating transactions with prospective customers and vendors. 

This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 2 days a week in our Louisville office. 

Responsibilities 

• Report to the General Counsel 
• Carry out the duties assigned to you by the General Counsel and assist the General Counsel in managing the LRC Department and providing responsive advice to the Company regarding all legal and regulatory compliance matters 
• Serving as the primary point of contact for drafting, negotiating, reviewing and closing all Company commercial and government contracts along with Contracts Department 
• Drafting, negotiating and closing commercial reseller agreements and foreign allied defense and intelligence customer contracts, including SAR imagery data sales, analytics services, satellite/ground station/imagery processing sales proposals and contracts, and related regulatory matters 
• Supporting, negotiating and closing contracts with US Government customers, teaming relationships with prime and subcontractors and related documentation 
• Assisting the General Counsel in negotiating and closing corporate transactions as they arise (equity and debt financings, mergers and acquisitions, forming new subsidiaries, etc.) 
• Assisting the General Counsel with other in-house legal matters, including, but not limited to, compliance with U.S. and foreign regulatory requirements, technology licensing transactions, new product development, employment issues, and developing and implementing regulatory compliance policies and procedures 
• Assisting the General Counsel in selecting and implementing scalable legal tools and infrastructure for managing and reporting on legal matter inflow and workflow, contract management and regulatory compliance 
• Communicating results and ideas to key decision makers within the Company and external stakeholders (investors, regulators, customers, vendors, etc.) 

Requirements 

• J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school 
• 5+ years of commercial and corporate experience both in a law firm and/or in-house with a company, preferably in the aerospace or satellite sector or another technology sector. 
• Regulatory experience involving ITAR and EAR export controls, FCC licensing, NOAA or other technology sector is a plus. 
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisition (M&A) activities preferred 
• Must have the ability to obtain security clearance 
• Periodic travel to the Company’s San Francisco, CA, and other offices established from time to time, as well as Company customer and vendor offices or meetings as required in the U.S. and abroad. 
• Bar admission in good standing in Colorado 

Compensation 

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $144,000 - $190,800. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.    

Benefits/Perks 

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
• Stock option grants for new hires 
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Generous Parental Leave 
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy 
• Lifestyle Spending Account 
• Commuter & Parking Benefits 
• Mental Health Resources 
• Monthly Phone Stipend 
• Daily provided lunches and stocked kitchens. 
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!