Director, Legal

Job description

At ClearSpace, we believe in reusability, in affordability driving disruption, and that no progress is real unless it is sustainable. Our company was founded in 2018 out of the realization that in-orbit servicing and space debris removal are vital services for the future of space exploration and operations. Today ClearSpace has assembled an expert engineering team and is leading the way toward sustainable space operations. From a garage in Switzerland, we now operate across UK and Europe, and are working with world-leading institutions and companies to bring our dream of a sustainable space ecosystem to life. We are looking for a Director, Legal to join ClearSpace in either Luxembourg, Switzerland, or the UK office! The Role As Director, Legal you will report directly to the CFO. You will build and lead the legal function, acting as a trusted strategic advisor across commercial, regulatory, corporate, and IP matters. This is a hands-on leadership role: you will negotiate deals, set policy, engage regulators, and build a team as the business scales. You will work closely with various departments such as finance, commercial, technical, procurement and supply chain, helping to manage legal risks and ensure legal compliance across all company operations. Key Responsibilities Serve as primary legal counsel to the CEO, Board, and executive leadership team on all matters of legal strategy, risk, and compliance. Own end-to-end negotiation of complex commercial and institutional contracts, e.g. ESA GSTP, ARTES, as well as bilateral government contracts (UKSA, CNES, DLR etc) and national space agency frameworks. Oversee compliance with the international space law framework. Manage national licensing and authorisation processes across relevant jurisdictions for mission operations and commercial services. Lead export control compliance for ClearSpace’s dual-use technology, including ITAR/EAR (US), EU Dual-Use Regulation (2021/821); interface with engineering and supply chain teams on technology transfer. Build and protect ClearSpace’s IP portfolio including tracking filings, renewal deadlines, and licensing arrangements. Monitor and engage proactively with evolving policy - including ITU spectrum filings, national debris mitigation rules (FCC 5-year rule, ESA ZEDM standards), and international negotiations on active debris removal authorisation frameworks Develop and rollout of legal policies, training materials, and compliance procedures across the business. Must Have Qualified lawyer with 10+ years post-qualification experience. Demonstrable experience in the space, satellite, or aerospace sector - including hands-on work on institutional or government contracts. Strong commercial contracting skills: independently negotiated complex, high-value agreements with sophisticated counterparties. Working knowledge of the international space law framework and at least one national licensing regime. Export control experience - ITAR/EAR or equivalent EU/Swiss/UK dual-use regulation. Comfortable operating as a senior generalist across multiple legal disciplines simultaneously. Demonstrated ability to engage and influence at board and C-suite level. Nice to Have Experience with ESA institutional contracting (ECSS standards, ESA GCC, procurement procedures). Background at a new space company, satellite operator, or deep-tech scale-up in a solo or lead legal role. Familiarity with RPO, ADR, or in-orbit servicing as an emerging regulatory and liability domain. IP prosecution and patent portfolio strategy experience in space hardware, software, or robotics. Language skills: French and/or German highly advantageous.