Vast is developing next-generation space stations and space infrastructure using an incremental, hardware-rich, and low-cost approach. Vast is rapidly developing its multi-module Haven Station to ensure a continuous human presence in space for America and its allies, enabling advanced microgravity research and manufacturing, and unlocking a new space economy for government, corporate, and private customers. Haven Demo’s 2025 success made Vast the only operational commercial space station company to fly and operate its own spacecraft. Next, Haven-1 is expected to become the world’s first commercial space station when it launches in 2027, followed by additional Haven modules. Additionally, the company recently announced Vast Satellite , a high-power satellite product line leveraging its space station components and the heritage of Haven Demo.
Headquartered in Long Beach, California , and with more than 1,000 employees and over a billion dollars in private capital, Vast has built the facilities required to manufacture and operate America’s next space station. The company plans to develop future habitats and systems for the Moon and Mars, dedicated space stations for government partners, and other crewed systems that will unlock the expanding long-term space economy.
Vast is looking for an Associate General Counsel , reporting to the General Counsel, to lead the regulatory and national security compliance framework that governs how Vast designs, builds, exports, licenses, and operates spacecraft. You will be the in-house legal lead for export controls, FCC and spectrum licensing, CFIUS, facility clearance and FOCI mitigation, and space policy. You will lead and strengthen the compliance foundation that supports Vast’s national security, satellite, and international business.
This will be a full-time , exempt position located in our Long Beach, CA; Washington DC; or Houston, TX locations.
Responsibilities:
Export Controls: Lead Vast’s export compliance program, including serving as the company’s Empowered Official with purview over all aspects of the company’s compliance with both the ITAR and EAR. Support export classification determinations and export authorizations (including TAAs, DSP5s, EAR licenses and license exceptions). Advise cross-functionally across all business teams on technology transfer, foreign person access, deemed exports, and international collaboration. Oversee compliance reviews, audits, investigations, and disclosures as needed
FCC & Spectrum Licensing: Oversee FCC licensing for Vast’s missions, including Part 25 applications, experimental licenses, and spectrum coordination. Coordinate with NTIA and international administrations on filings and interference matters. Support Vast’s ground segment providers and customers in their applications
CFIUS & Foreign Investment: Advise on CFIUS implications of financings, strategic investments, joint ventures, and international partnerships. Work with outside counsel in support of any necessary filings and related compliance obligations
Facility Clearance & FOCI Mitigation: Serve as lead legal point of contact for Vast’s facility clearance (FCL) strategy and its relationship with DCSA under 32 CFR Part 117 (NISPOM). Structure and implement FOCI mitigation instruments, such as board resolutions, Security Control Agreements, Special Security Agreements, and Proxy Agreements, and partner with Security on governance, outside director, and compliance requirements
Space Policy & Regulatory Engagement: Monitor and analyze legislative and regulatory developments affecting commercial space, including FAA payload reviews, NOAA remote sensing licensing, mission authorization, and space traffic management. Partner with Government Affairs on rule making comments, agency engagement, and policy positions
Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with Security, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Development, Government Affairs, Finance, and outside counsel so that compliance supports…