Legal Specialist (US)

ispace Technologies, US, based in Englewood (Centennial), CO, is seeking a talented and dynamic, on-site, Legal Specialist to join its team.

The vision of ispace is to expand and sustain humanity’s presence in space by developing a lunar economy built on the resources available on the Moon.

ispace US is the regional office of ispace inc., a Japanese Space company. We are creating the first lunar resource exploration service by developing ispace’s next generation lunar lander to deliver technological and research payloads to the lunar surface. We are a small team, motivated by the challenges of the lunar frontier, and determined to achieve the company’s vision.

This position offers the unique opportunity to be the subject-matter expert on legal questions and be involved in various areas of a fast-growing space startup.

The position will mainly help business development efforts by providing sound and pragmatic advice, and by structuring commercial agreements under relevant business laws, and industry specific regulations.

The candidate is also expected to take a lead role in managing ispace US’s Corporate Affairs and support other functions on legal matters.

The position will be based onsite in the Centennial office and will report to the Global Legal Manager based in Tokyo. It will closely collaborate with ispace US’s team members.

• Provide advice and analysis during commercial negotiations (MSAs and Service Orders, MOUs, Partnerships, NDAs, supplier agreement, and other commercial contracts) and lead drafting of relevant contractual documents.
• Observe contracts’ follow-up, execution, and administration; keep contact with business partners
• Provide any other legal support to the US (and Global) Business Development teams
• Speak up, identify legal risks and issues, define, and manage mitigation plans

• Handle ispace US Corporate Affairs through managing governance meetings and materials (Board of Directors, Committees, Shareholders)
• Draft, review, and implement Intercompany agreements
• Partner with and advise other cross-functional teams on various corporate legal projects as needed and including finance, compliance, treasury, tax, procurement and HR
• Supervise and coordinate external legal counsel, as needed

• Engage in regulatory advocacy, preparing and advising on legal opinions and correspondence, submissions, and communications with Regulators, and similar bodies
• Monitor ongoing business-related legislation and legal and regulatory changes (international business laws, space laws, and related frameworks), with particular focus on the use and exploration of space resources, and ensure company-wide compliance

• Outstanding academic qualifications
• Minimum of 5 years legal experience with a renowned private law firm or major corporation’s legal departments, preferably working on space industry contracts
• Experience with start-ups is welcomed but not a requirement.
• Excellent communication and writing skills with a high degree of attention to detail, and multicultural and multidisciplinary skills to work across cultures and teams.
• Able to prioritize and manage multiple competing responsibilities in a fast-paced changing environment
• High personal standards of excellence and ethics, as well as the ability to act with discretion and sensitivity
• Desire to be in a role that will grow and develop over time
• Passion for space and/or practical experience in the space industry are welcomed but are not prerequisites
• Knowledge of U.S. export control and regulations is appreciated but not a requirement.

• Competitive salary starting at $120k
• Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, 401k - some fully, company-paid options available for employee-only level coverage

This position is currently only available to US Citizens, Nationals, or Permanent Residents.

Eligible candidates must be willing to undergo and successfully complete a criminal background screening prior to hire.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is a drug-free workplace.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

ispace Technologies, US, Inc. participates in the E-Verify program.