Chief Legal Officer

Chief Legal Officer

Quantum Space is redefining mobility and maneuverability in space. Our high-mobility spacecraft platforms support national security, civil, and commercial missions with unmatched flexibility and propulsion capability. We build fast and iterate quickly.

We are seeking an accomplished and strategic Chief Legal Officer to serve as the company's principal legal advisor and lead all legal, compliance, corporate governance, and risk management functions. In this executive leadership role, you will partner closely with the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors to support Quantum Space's continued growth as an innovative aerospace and defense company operating in highly regulated commercial and government markets.

You will provide legal guidance across corporate governance, public company readiness, capital markets, government contracting, intellectual property, mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, export compliance, and regulatory affairs. This position is ideal for an experienced legal executive who combines sound business judgment with deep expertise in aerospace, defense, government contracting, and high-growth technology companies.

Where You'll Make an Impact

• Serve as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, executive leadership team, and Board of Directors
• Build and lead Quantum Space's Legal organization while establishing scalable legal and compliance processes
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and international laws governing aerospace, defense, and commercial operations
• Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreements, customer contracts, vendor agreements, strategic partnerships, and other corporate transactions
• Support corporate governance activities, Board meetings, equity matters, fundraising initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, and public company requirements
• Protect and manage the company's intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and licensing matters
• Develop and oversee company policies related to ethics, compliance, employment, data privacy, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance
• Advise leadership on Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), ITAR, EAR, and other government contracting requirements
• Oversee enterprise risk management, internal compliance programs, investigations, and regulatory reporting
• Interface with government customers, auditors, outside counsel, regulatory agencies, and strategic partners
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing Legal team while fostering collaboration across the organization
• Partner with engineering, finance, human resources, business development, contracts, and operations teams to enable strategic business growth

What It Takes

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school
• Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar
• 10+ years of legal experience, including significant in-house leadership experience
• Experience advising high-growth technology, aerospace, defense, or government contracting organizations
• Deep knowledge of corporate governance, corporate transactions, government contracting, and regulatory compliance
• Strong understanding of FAR, DFARS, ITAR, EAR, intellectual property, and corporate compliance programs
• Experience supporting executive leadership teams and Boards of Directors
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and executive leadership skills
• Strong business judgment with the ability to balance legal risk and strategic business objectives
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment while managing multiple priorities

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Experience supporting publicly traded companies or organizations preparing for public market transactions
• Experience leading legal organizations within aerospace, defense, national security, or advanced technology companies
• Experience supporting mergers and acquisitions, venture financing, capital markets, and strategic partnerships
• Familiarity with NASA, U.S. Space Force, Space Systems Command (SSC), Space Development Agency (SDA), NRO, AFRL, and other federal space customers
• Experience managing patent portfolios, technology licensing, and intellectual property strategy
• Experience developing enterprise compliance, ethics, and corporate governance programs
• Demonstrated success building and scaling legal organizations within rapidly growing companies

What You'll Get

Ownership Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team shaping Quantum Space's legal strategy, governance, and long-term growth

Innovation Help enable groundbreaking aerospace and defense technologies that are transforming mobility throughout the EarthMoon system

Impact Provide strategic legal leadership supporting national security, civil, and commercial space missions while helping guide the company through its next stage of growth

Growth Join an experienced leadership team operating at the forefront of space technology, government contracting, and commercial innovation

Compensation Competitive executive compensation including a base salary of $300,000$400,000, target bonus opportunity of 4060%, significant equity awards, and comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, generous leave, FSA, and 401(k) matching

Additional Requirements

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, applicants must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual per 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

This is an on-site leadership position based in Rockville, Maryland, Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Hawthorne, California. Some travel (approximately 25%) is required. Candidates must be willing to work evenings and weekends as necessary to support critical business objectives.

Apply now. Join us in shaping the legal strategy, governance, and partnerships that will enable the future of space mobility and mission success.