Legal Counsel: Space Legal Counsel: Space
Legal Counsel: Space
Position: Legal Counsel: Space
Location: Hyderabad
Department: Business Development Legal
Reports to: Asst General Manager
About Azista Space Systems:
Azista Space Systems is a leading player in the Indian space market and is rapidly establishing itself as a global force in the space industry. We specialize in providing vertically integrated solutions to our clients, covering a wide range of services and products, including satellites, satellite buses, payloads, sub-systems, and satellite communication equipment.
What We Do:
At Azista Space Systems, we offer comprehensive design, development, manufacturing, testing, and qualification services for spaceborne equipment. Our innovative and integrated approach ensures that we deliver top-quality solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our customers.
Job Summary:
The Space Lawyer will provide legal expertise in space law and regulatory matters, advising the company on legal issues related to space missions, satellite operations, intellectual property, and international treaties. The individual will ensure compliance with space-related national and international laws, including IN-SPACe, NGP, DAP 2020, WPC, ITU, and SCOMET regulations. Responsibilities include drafting legal documentation (NDAs, MoUs, agreements), coordinating with government agencies, and managing the export and import of space-related items. The role also involves managing contracts and mitigating legal risks for space activities.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Regulatory Compliance:
Provide counsel on space law and national regulations (IN-SPACe guidelines, NGP, Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020, WPC, ITU, and SCOMET like export control regulations).
Ensure compliance with export and import regulations for space-related items under SCOMET (Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment, and Technologies) and other relevant frameworks.
Handle regulatory matters related to satellite launches, spectrum allocation, orbital debris, and licensing.
2. Contract & Agreement Management:
Draft, review, and negotiate contracts such as NDAs, MoUs, satellite purchase agreements, IP licensing, and technology transfer agreements.
Manage contracts with government agencies, space agencies (ISRO, IN-SPACe), and commercial partners.
Ensure legal documentation aligns with the company’s objectives while mitigating risks.
3. Coordination with Government Agencies:
Liaise with regulatory bodies like IN-SPACe, WPC, and other government agencies to ensure compliance and approvals for space activities.
Manage the legal process for obtaining export/import licenses for space technologies and related items
Represent the company in discussions with government bodies on policy and regulatory issues.
4. Risk Management:
Advise on liability and risk issues related to space operations, including launch risks, satellite collisions, and space debris management.
Oversee and manage potential legal risks, litigation, or claims arising from the company’s space activities.
5. Policy Advocacy:
Engage with regulatory bodies and represent the company in space law policy forums.
Participate in industry groups and contribute to the formation of new space regulations and policies.
6. Intellectual Property & Licensing:
Manage IP rights related to space technologies, including patents, trademarks, and licensing agreements.
Provide counsel on proprietary technology protection and commercialization strategies.
7. Collaboration with Engineering and Business Teams:
Work closely with engineering, business development, and operational teams to ensure legal alignment on space missions, satellite development, and international collaborations.
Provide guidance on legal aspects of developing new technologies, including data security and privacy concerns.
8. Dispute Resolution & Litigation:
Handle disputes related to space law, such as conflicts over satellite frequencies, orbital slots, and cross-border issues.
Liaise with external counsel for litigation and arbitration if necessary.
Required Skills & Qualifications:
Education: Degree in law, with a specialization in space law or international law.
Minimum 5 years of experience in a legal role, with at least 2 years focused on space law, aerospace, or a related field.
Strong knowledge of IN-SPACe guidelines, NGP, DAP 2020, WPC, ITU, and SCOMET regulations.
Proven experience drafting and negotiating NDAs, MoUs, and complex contracts, including technology licensing and international agreements.
Familiarity with export control laws (SCOMET, ITAR, EAR) and import/export regulations for space-related items.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
Ability to communicate complex legal concepts to non-legal teams.
Strong attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
Preferred:
Experience working with space agencies or regulatory bodies such as IN-SPACe, ISRO, WPC, and export control authorities.
International work experience or cross-border legal exposure.
Personal Attributes:
Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Inclusion and diversity are critical to the success of Azista, and we actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity without regard to race, colour, caste, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category.
Legal Fundamentals