Senior Legal Counsel - International Commercial Contracts

About the role

Aerospacelab designs and manufactures small satellites and develops earth observation services, with offices in Belgium, France, Switzerland and the US West Coast and more than 500 full-time employees. As Senior Legal Counsel you will provide legal support for international commercial activities, drafting, negotiating and securing complex contracts with customers, suppliers and partners, and acting as a trusted business partner to sales, programme and procurement teams.

Key responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate international commercial contracts: hardware supply and services agreements, subcontracts, teaming agreements, NDAs, MoUs, distribution and framework agreements
• Lead negotiations with customers and counterparties, including institutional clients, prime contractors and government entities
• Advise on risk allocation: liability caps, indemnities, warranties, IP, milestones, LDs and termination
• Support tender and bid processes with legal review of RFP and contractual requirements
• Advise on export control, sanctions and dual-use compliance
• Develop and maintain contract templates, playbooks and negotiation guidelines
• Train and support internal stakeholders on contract management best practices

Required profile

• Master's degree in law (LL.M. or equivalent) from a common law jurisdiction, or a law degree complemented by an LL.M. in a common law system
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in international commercial contracts, in a law firm, an in-house legal team or both
• Proven experience negotiating contracts governed by English law and/or other common law systems
• Fluent English; bar admission or qualification is a plus

Required skills

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills
• Sound commercial judgement and a pragmatic, solution-oriented approach
• Autonomous, rigorous and comfortable working with senior stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
• Nice to have: experience in aerospace, defence, deep tech or another highly regulated industry; working knowledge of Belgian, French or German civil law; familiarity with EU dual-use, ITAR/EAR, sanctions and FDI regimes; French or another European language

What we offer

• Permanent contract, open to all offices and remote work
• Flat hierarchy and flexible ways of working
• Salary package consistent with your experience