Company description

The vision of ispace is to expand and sustain humanity’s presence in space by developing a lunar economy built on the resources available on the Moon.

ispace EUROPE is the regional office of ispace inc., a Japanese space company. We are creating the first lunar resource exploration service by developing ispace’s next generation rover that will prospect for lunar water and other resources. We are a small team, motivated by the challenges of the Lunar Frontier, and determined to achieve the company’s vision.

More about ispace

ispace EUROPE, based in Luxembourg, is seeking a talented and dynamic EU Legal Associate to join its team.

This position offers the unique opportunity to be the subject-matter expert on legal questions and be involved in various areas of a fast-growing space startup.

The position will mainly help business development efforts by providing sound and pragmatic advice, and by structuring commercial agreements under relevant business laws, and industry specific regulations. The Candidate is also expected to handle ispace EUROPE’s Corporate Affairs, support other functions on legal matters and cooperate and coordinate with HQ on legal and regulatory requirements.

The position is based in Luxembourg and reports to the Global Legal Manager based in Tokyo. It will closely collaborate with ispace EUROPE’s team members.

Business support role

Provide advice and analysis during commercial negotiations (MSAs and Service Orders, Data Service and License Agreement, Payload Service Agreement, MOUs, Partnerships, NDAs, supplier agreement, and other commercial contracts) and lead drafting of relevant contractual documents.
Observe contracts’ follow-up, execution, and administration; keep contact with business partners
Provide any other legal support to the European (and Global) Business Development teams
Speak up, identify legal risks and issues, define, and manage mitigation plans

Corporate support role

Handle ispace EUROPE Corporate Affairs through managing governance meetings and materials (Board of Directors, Committees, Shareholders)
Draft, review, and implement Intercompany agreements
Partner with and advise other cross-functional teams on various corporate legal projects as needed and including finance, compliance, treasury, tax, procurement and HR
Supervise and coordinate external legal counsel, as needed

Regulatory support role

Engage in regulatory advocacy, preparing and advising on legal opinions and correspondence, submissions, and communications with Regulators, and similar bodies
Monitor ongoing business-related legislation and legal and regulatory changes (international business laws, space laws, and related frameworks), with particular focus on the use and exploration of space resources, and ensure company-wide compliance

Requirements

Outstanding academic qualifications
Minimum of 5 years legal experience with a renowned private law firm or major corporation’s legal departments, preferably working on space industry contracts
Experience with start-ups is welcomed but not a requirement.
Excellent communication and writing skills with a high degree of attention to detail, and multicultural and multidisciplinary skills to work across cultures and teams.
Able to prioritize and manage multiple competing responsibilities in a fast-paced changing environment
High personal standards of excellence and ethics, as well as the ability to act with discretion and sensitivity
Desire to be in a role that will grow and develop over time
Fluent in English; French would be an asset
Passion for space and/or practical experience in the space industry are welcomed but are not prerequisites
Knowledge of U.S. and EU export control and regulations is appreciated but not a requirement.
Cooperative manner with HQ team in Tokyo