Senior Corporate Counsel

About The Role

ABOUT ROCKET LAB

Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space company delivering responsive launch services, complete spacecraft design and manufacturing, payloads, satellite components, and more – all with the goal of opening access space. The rockets and satellites we build, and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations.

Our Electron rocket has become the second most frequently launched U.S. rocket annually and has delivered more than 230 satellites to orbit, all while we work to develop Neutron, our upcoming medium-lift, reusable launch vehicle for larger constellation deployment. Our Space Systems business designs and builds our extensive line of satellites, payloads, and their components, including spacecraft that have been selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars and components used on the James Webb Space Telescope.

SENIOR CORPORATE COUNSEL

Based onsite at Rocket Lab's Headquarters in Long Beach, CA, the Senior Corporate Counsel plays a key role in supporting the SVP, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary and the broader legal and compliance organization. This role is ideal for a seasoned corporate attorney with extensive experience in securities, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory matters. The successful candidate will provide strategic legal advice to senior management and oversee critical legal functions for a publicly traded company, ensuring compliance and supporting the company’s growth and innovation.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

Manage the corporate governance and securities matters for the company as well as act as lead attorney, managing from a legal aspect, capital market activity and mergers and acquisition transactions. This includes:

• Lead legal review, advise and assist with the crafting of annual and quarterly reports, proxy statements, and other public disclosures in compliance with SEC regulations and NASDAQ listing exchange requirements.
• Lead legal review, advise and assist with capital markets and other financing transactions.
• Provide guidance on Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, Regulation FD, insider trading policies, and 10b5-1 plans.
• Collaborate with investor relations, finance, and communications teams to ensure accurate and timely public disclosures.
• Advise on corporate governance matters, including board and committee issues, director independence, and executive compensation.
• Develop and maintain corporate policies related to governance, securities trading, and public disclosures.
• Assist in legal due diligence and negotiation for M&A transactions, including public and private transactions, and cross-border acquisitions.
• Provide strategic legal advice on transaction structures, risk assessment, and post-acquisition integration.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the California State Bar or Registered In-House Counsel (RIHC).
• Minimum of 12+ years of legal experience.
• Proven experience as in-house counsel for publicly traded company or at a top-tier law firm.
• Experience in security law compliance, as well as navigating complex corporate structures and transactions.

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• 15+ years of experience strongly preferred.
• Demonstrate initiative and the ability to take on greater responsibilities with potential for leadership opportunities over time.
• Capable of adapting to fast-paced changes, shifting priorities, evolving directions, and addressing unique legal challenges.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present to senior executives and boards.
• Experience managing external counsel relationships and budgets, focusing on reviewing legal bills and keeping costs under control.
• Familiarity with the Aerospace or Space industry and related regulations.
• Familiarity with export compliance regulations e.g. ITAR and EAR

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to focus.
• Regularly required to sit, use hands and fingers, operate computer keyboard and controls, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must be physically able to commute to buildings
• Occasional exposure to dust, fumes and moderate levels of noise.

Level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one component of our total rewards package at Rocket Lab. Employees may also receive company equity and access to a robust benefits package including: top tier medical HMO, PPO & a 100% company-sponsored medical HSA plan option, dental and vision coverage, 3 weeks paid vacation and 5 days sick leave per year, 11 paid holidays per year, flexible spending and dependent care savings accounts, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and access to a 401(k) retirement plan with company match. Other perks include: Discounted employee stock purchase program, subsidized EV charging stations, onsite gym, food and drinks, and other discounts.

Eligibility for benefits may vary based on employment status, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role. Benefit programs are subject to change at the company’s discretion.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$275,000—$320,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Johnson at [email protected] dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States' International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.