Legal Counsel

Spacecraft represent the most pressing unmet need across the entire aerospace industry. As more launch vehicles come online and the cost to orbit decreases, more companies launching payloads to space continue to emerge.

For the first time in history, this influx of payload companies combined with reduced launch costs has resulted in a massive increase in need for commercial spacecraft platforms, known as satellite buses. These buses hold the payloads of our customers and are flown on launch vehicles.

Apex manufactures these satellite buses at scale using a combination of software, vertical integration, and hardware that is designed for manufacturing. Our spacecraft enable the future of society: ranging from earth observation to communications and more.

We’d love for you to join us on our mission of providing humankind access to the galaxy beyond our planet.

Apex is seeking a dynamic, organized, and driven Legal Counsel to join our expanding team. As a company at the forefront of space exploration and satellite technology, Apex is looking for a motivated and adaptable lawyer with 2–4 years of legal experience to join our growing legal team. This is a unique opportunity for a self-starter who wants to develop into a true generalist in an in-house environment.

The ideal candidate will have a foundation in contract drafting and negotiation, some exposure to government contracting (FAR/DFARS), and ideally a background in or familiarity with litigation. A strong desire to learn new areas of the law such as space law, labor and employment, regulatory compliance, and M&A is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Draft, review, and negotiate a variety of contracts, including commercial and supply chain agreements, non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), consulting and service agreements, and help ensure contractual terms support the company’s broader business goals and legal risk posture.

• Support and advise on matters involving government contracts, including compliance with FAR and DFARS requirements.

• Provide legal guidance to internal stakeholders on contractual rights and obligations, including IP rights, indemnities, warranties, and regulatory compliance.

• Assist in the development and implementation of contract management policies, processes, and playbooks.

• Collaborate with outside counsel on litigation matters, including discovery, document production, and strategy.

• Proactively identify legal risks and propose solutions.

• Participate in the development and training of internal teams on legal and compliance topics.

• Assist with mergers and acquisitions, including due diligence, negotiation, and integration.

• Ensure the company maintains compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, updating policies as necessary.

• Provide timely, business-oriented legal advice to stakeholders across multiple departments.

• Support sensitive legal matters such as investigations, compliance concerns, and dispute resolution.

• Collaborate on special projects and assist the Legal team with evolving priorities.

Qualifications:

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar, California preferred.

• 2–4 years of relevant legal experience, with in-house or corporate setting experience preferred.

• Experience with commercial contract drafting, review, and negotiation.

• Familiarity with government contracting regulations (FAR/DFARS) is a plus.

• Demonstrated interest in expanding knowledge into new legal areas (e.g., employment law, M&A, corporate compliance).

• Strong organizational and communication skills, with excellent attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines.

• Collaborative mindset and comfort working with cross-functional teams.

• Strong business acumen and practical approach to legal advice.

• Demonstrated independent ownership of work, ensuring thorough tracking and completion.

• Solution-driven, innovative thinker with a passion for improving business outcomes.

• Superior interpersonal and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration at all organizational levels.

Nice-to-Have

• Experience in satellite manufacturing or related…