Overview
A technology company specializing in satellite connectivity is seeking a Senior Commercial Counsel to join a lean, high-impact legal team. This role involves owning the full commercial legal workstream, including structuring deals, negotiating complex agreements, advising stakeholders, and building scalable legal infrastructure. The company provides direct-to-device satellite connectivity for smartphones and IoT devices, operating across multiple continents and partnering with satellite operators, mobile network operators, chipset makers, and OEMs.
This position can be performed remotely, with a preference for candidates located in the U.S. Eastern or Central time zones, or the UK, to support team collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Manage commercial agreements end-to-end, from initial structuring through negotiation and execution, with full autonomy.
- Draft, review, and negotiate a high volume of complex commercial contracts, including partnerships with mobile network operators and satellite operators, SaaS agreements, master service agreements (MSAs), statements of work (SOWs), non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), vendor agreements, and OEM/hardware contracts.
- Utilize AI tools to research and synthesize regulatory developments affecting non-terrestrial networks (NTN) and satellite operations across relevant jurisdictions.
- Serve as the primary legal partner for business development, product, and procurement teams, providing pragmatic, business-focused guidance to facilitate deal progress.
- Navigate the legal and regulatory landscape unique to NTN, direct-to-device connectivity, and cross-border telecommunications partnerships.
- Develop and maintain scalable legal infrastructure, including contract templates, playbooks, and a contract management system accessible company-wide.
- Contribute to compliance initiatives and internal training as the commercial footprint expands into new markets and jurisdictions.
- Collaborate with the Vice President of Legal to develop and refine legal team operational practices as the organization scales.
Requirements
- 5–7+ years of legal experience with a strong focus on commercial transactions.
- Significant in-house legal experience is required; candidates with only law firm experience will not be considered.
- Experience working in a lean legal environment, ideally as one of the first few lawyers at a growth-stage company, with a track record of building legal processes.
- Demonstrated ability to build contract review or legal research workflows using AI, including measurable outcomes.
- Deep expertise in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements, capable of leading negotiations independently.
- Experience in telecommunications, satellite, connectivity, or related technology industries is strongly preferred; enterprise SaaS or hardware experience is also considered.
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction or equivalent qualification for UK-based candidates.
- Business-forward mindset focused on enabling company progress while managing risk.
- Excellent communication skills and executive presence, comfortable advising senior leadership and handling complex negotiations.
- Experience integrating AI tools with contract management or matter tracking systems to reduce manual tasks is a strong plus.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive compensation packages including stock option-based equity programs.
- Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plans.
- Monthly allowances for wellness and education reimbursement.
- Generous time off policy, holidays, and opportunities to temporarily work abroad.
- Opportunity to contribute to the development and operation of the world’s first commercial, live direct-to-device satellite network and service.
- Access to a world-class team across software, hardware, chipsets, telecom, satellite, and network virtualization domains.
Compensation ranges based on location:
- Non–Bay Area (U.S.): $160,000 - $170,000
- San Francisco Bay Area, CA: $180,000 - $195,000
Location
Remote work is supported, with a preference for candidates located in the U.S. Eastern or Central time zones, or the UK, to facilitate collaboration.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The employer is an equal opportunity organization committed to diversity and inclusion. Discrimination based on race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, parent or caregiver status, political affiliation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service is prohibited in accordance with applicable laws.
Reasonable accommodations are provided for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans during the application process upon request.