Senior Corporate Counsel

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.

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.

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.

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in the California State Bar or Registered In-House Counsel (RIHC).
• Minimum of 7+ 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.

• 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

• 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,…