About this role
AST SpaceMobile and our global partners are building the first and only space-based cellular broadband network to be accessible by standard smartphones. Called SpaceMobile, this ultra-powerful network is being designed to provide connectivity at 4G/5G speeds everywhere on the planet – on land, at sea and in flight.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Commercial Attorney with deep expertise in the telecommunications industry. This individual will play a critical role in negotiating complex commercial agreements with our telecommunication, mobile and technology partners, supporting our mission to build the first space-based cellular broadband network accessible directly by standard mobile phones. This is a rare opportunity to engage with novel legal challenges that do not have precedent and to build scalable processes in a legal department for an emerging industry.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage negotiations of complex commercial agreements with global partners, in the mobile, telecommunications and technology fields, as well as complex commercial and technology development and supply chain transactions
- Draft, review, and advise on a wide range of contracts, including partnership, services, licensing, technology, software and service agreements
- Collaborate with cross-functional, global teams including business development, finance, and engineering to align legal strategies with business goals
- Develop and implement legal frameworks and best practices for commercial operations
- Monitor industry trends and regulatory developments impacting the telecommunications sector
- Manage relationships with external legal counsel as needed
- Support on legal operations initiatives
- Support legal matters with AST SpaceMobile’s international offices
- Stay current on legal developments affecting telecommunications and satellite industry
Qualifications
Education:
- U.S.- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school and admission to practice law in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
- UK / Global - UK Qualified lawyer or local equivalent
Experience:
A minimum of 7 years of post-qualification legal experience, with a strong focus on telecommunications and/or satellite communications and commercial transactions
Preferred Qualifications
- Prior experience negotiating complex strategic transactions and partnership deals in the telecommunications industry
- Law firm and/or in-house legal experience within a telecommunications or technology company
- Familiarity with international telecom regulations and cross-border agreements
- Experience in satellite communications or emerging technologies
- Experience with hardware agreements (both as a buyer and a supplier), manufacturing agreements, technology and development agreements, and global supply chain transactions and regulations
- Experience with complex corporate transactions, including M&A and joint ventures is a plus
- Familiarity or experience with legal operations technology and processes, including usage of AI tools is a plus
Soft Skills
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
- Proven ability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for business and engineering audiences
- Meticulous attention to detail to ensure the accuracy of all documentation and project deliverables
- Strategic thinking and sound judgment in high-stakes negotiations
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment with little guidance and shifting priorities and ambiguity
- Possess a proactive and hands-on approach; willing to take initiative and contribute wherever needed to support team success
- Positive, team-oriented attitude with a proactive, solutions-focused approach to work and collaboration.
Technology Stack
- AI Tools
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Contract lifecycle management systems
- Legal research platforms (e.g., LexisNexis, Westlaw)
- Document management tools (e.g., SharePoint, Ironclad)
Physical Requirements
- Ability to work in a standard office environment and use a computer for extended periods
- Ability to travel occasionally for partner meetings and contract negotiations
- Ability to support commercial transactions across various time zones globally.
- Must be available to support commercial transactions outside standard local working hours, including evenings and other nontraditional hours as business needs dictate. This is not a traditional fixed-schedule role.
Benefits & Perks
At AST, we value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, and work-life balance.
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
- Company-Paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
- Company-Paid Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
- Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Options
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Voluntary Supplemental Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO) and Company Holidays
- Career Growth and Development Opportunities
This job description may not be inclusive to the duties and responsibilities listed. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time or the scope of the job may change as needed by business demands .
AST SpaceMobile is an Equal Opportunity, at will Employer; employment is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.