Director, Legal

ClearSpace seeks a Director of Legal to lead the legal function, reporting to the CFO. The role requires a qualified lawyer with over a decade of experience in space law, commercial contracting, and export controls.

This position serves as the primary legal advisor to the CEO, Board, and executive team, acting as a strategic partner across commercial, regulatory, corporate, and intellectual property matters. The Director will build and lead the legal department from the ground up, engaging directly with regulators, negotiating high-stakes contracts, and establishing internal policies. It is a hands-on leadership role that demands the ability to manage multiple legal disciplines simultaneously while influencing senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal counsel to the CEO, Board, and executive leadership on risk management and compliance.
• Lead the negotiation and execution of complex commercial and institutional agreements, including ESA GSTP, ARTES, and government contracts.
• Ensure adherence to the international space law framework and manage national licensing and authorization processes for mission operations.
• Oversee export control compliance for dual-use technologies, ensuring alignment with ITAR/EAR and EU Dual-Use regulations.
• Develop and maintain the intellectual property portfolio, including tracking filings, managing renewals, and handling licensing arrangements.
• Monitor evolving policy landscapes, such as ITU spectrum filings and debris mitigation rules, and engage with relevant authorities.
• Create and implement legal policies, training materials, and compliance procedures throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Qualified lawyer with at least 10 years of post-qualification experience.
• Proven track record in the space, satellite, or aerospace sectors, particularly with institutional or government contracts.
• Strong commercial contracting skills, with experience negotiating complex, high-value agreements.
• Working knowledge of international space law and at least one national licensing regime.
• Experience with export control regulations, specifically ITAR/EAR or equivalent EU/Swiss/UK dual-use rules.
• Ability to operate as a senior generalist, managing multiple legal disciplines concurrently.
• Demonstrated capacity to engage and influence at the board and C-suite level.

Nice to have

• Experience with ESA institutional contracting, including ECSS standards and procurement procedures.
• Background in a new space company, satellite operator, or deep-tech scale-up, preferably in a solo or lead legal role.
• Familiarity with emerging regulatory domains such as RPO, ADR, or in-orbit servicing.
• Experience in IP prosecution and patent portfolio strategy for space hardware, software, or robotics.
• Fluency in French and/or German is highly advantageous.

About the company

Founded in 2018, ClearSpace operates across the UK and Europe, collaborating with world-leading institutions and companies. The organization is dedicated to addressing in-orbit servicing and space debris removal, driven by a belief in reusability, affordability, and sustainable progress.

• Commitment to reusability and affordability to drive disruption in the space sector.
• Focus on sustainable progress in space operations.
• Collaboration with world-leading institutions and companies across the UK and Europe.