Senior Paralegal/Legal Operations

About Capella Space

Capella Space is a pioneer in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite technology and space-based signal intelligence. We empower government, commercial, and research organizations around the world with high-resolution, timely Earth insights that drive better decisions - across defense and intelligence, disaster response, infrastructure monitoring, environmental protection, energy, and more.

As a U.S.-based company, Capella designs, builds, and operates an advanced constellation of commercial SAR satellites in orbit today. Our satellites are backed by a fully automated tasking, collection, and delivery platform, delivering fast, reliable insights when and where our customers need them most. As a subsidiary of IonQ, a global leader in quantum computing, Capella is charting the future of Earth observation. Together, we’re on a mission to bring quantum computing to space - unlocking ultra-secure, encrypted uplink and downlink capabilities, reducing latency, and enabling powerful on-orbit analytics. This visionary integration of advanced remote sensing and quantum technology will support customers with the highest level of data fidelity, security, and speed.

Capella was named one of Fast Company’s 10 Most Innovative Companies in Space in 2023 and is a trusted partner of the U.S. Space Force, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, NASA, the National Reconnaissance Office, and allied government agencies worldwide. Built In recognized IonQ on three of its 2025 Best Places to Work lists.

What Makes Capella Unique?

At Capella, we don’t just imagine what’s possible - we build it. We’re a mission-driven team fueled by curiosity, grit, and a shared commitment to redefining the limits of space innovation. Our environment is fast paced, rooted in humble collaboration. Every team member plays a critical role in shaping the future of our technology and our industry. If you're ready to roll up your sleeves and help solve problems that others call impossible—we're the place for you. We believe great ideas can come from anywhere, and we thrive on diverse perspectives that help us move faster, think deeper, and push the boundaries of innovation. Whether you're new to the space industry or a seasoned expert, you'll find a team that values creativity, integrity, and bold thinking. Join us as we build the future of SAR—and take quantum to space.

About the Role 

We are seeking a Paralegal/Legal Operations Specialist to support our legal department's strategic initiatives, strategic transactions and operational excellence in a fast-paced technology company positioned at the forefront of the quantum computing and  satellite communications and earth observation industries. This role combines traditional paralegal responsibilities with modern legal operations management, reporting to the Assistant General Counsel and working closely with our Director of Trade and Regulatory Compliance Manager. The successful candidate will be responsible for optimizing legal department workflows, managing legal matter intake managing our contract lifecycle management (CLM) platform, supporting corporate transactions and related due diligence, coordinating legal inquiries, and supporting both routine legal operations and complex export control compliance initiatives. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and sophisticated legal operations while supporting a team that manages both ITAR and EAR compliance across quantum and space technologies. The role requires someone who can effectively bridge traditional legal support with modern operational excellence, helping to scale our legal department's capabilities as we grow in highly regulated international markets.

Key Responsibilities

Legal Operations & Process Management

• Analyze and optimize legal workflows, operational processes, and department efficiency.
• Implement process automation, standardization initiatives, and maintain SOPs for legal activities.
• Design and manage legal matter intake, triage, assignment, and tracking systems.
• Coordinate legal team calendars, administrative support, and outside counsel management (onboarding, billing, evaluation).
• Track and report key metrics to inform legal department decision-making and evaluate initiative impact.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive alignment and execution.

Strategic Corporate Transaction Support

• Manage due diligence and transaction processes, including organizing corporate documents, contracts, and regulatory filings.
• Maintain transaction documents, disclosure schedules, and closing checklists.
• Coordinate transactions with target companies, internal stakeholders, external counsel, and advisors.
• Support post-closing integration activities and maintain transaction databases and virtual data rooms.
• Assist with regulatory filings and notifications as needed.

Technology & Systems Administration

• Manage and optimize CLM platforms and other legal technology systems.
• Administer document management and legal matter management systems.
• Coordinate IT support for legal technology implementations and troubleshooting.
• Support e-discovery and litigation technology requirements.
• Evaluate and recommend legal technology solutions to improve efficiency and data integrity.

File Management & Documentation

• Organize and maintain legal department files, records, and documentation systems.
• Establish file naming conventions, document retention policies, and legal hold compliance.
• Maintain corporate authority policies and coordinate file creation, maintenance, and archival processes.
• Support digital transformation initiatives for document management.

Legal Inquiry Coordination & Support

• Serve as primary intake point for legal requests from business units.
• Coordinate, triage, and track legal inquiries to ensure timely resolution.
• Facilitate communication between the legal team and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare status reports and support cross-functional collaboration on legal and compliance issues.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies, Business Administration, or related field.
• Paralegal certificate from ABA-approved program or equivalent experience.
• 5–7 years of paralegal experience in a corporate legal environment.
• Experience with CLM systems, legal matter management, and virtual data room platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for data analysis.
• Knowledge of contract management principles, document management systems, and legal databases.
• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.
• Experience with process improvement and workflow optimization.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Resilience and resourcefulness to make recommendations and decisions with imperfect information.
• To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Capella Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in technology, aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated industries.
• Exposure to export controls (ITAR/EAR) or complex regulatory frameworks.
• Legal operations experience or formal legal operations training.
• Project management experience or certification (PMP, Agile, etc.).
• Experience with legal analytics and reporting tools.
• Government contracting or security clearance eligibility.
• Advanced Excel or business intelligence tool experience.
• Experience leading technology implementations or system migrations.
• Familiarity with compliance management systems and regulatory reporting.
• Knowledge of corporate governance and securities regulations.
• Vendor management and procurement experience.
• Change management or process improvement certification.
• Proven track record building or improving programs/processes.

Compensation 

The annual salary range for this role as it is posted is $95,711 - $119,639. The final job level and annual salary will be determined based on the education, qualification, knowledge, skills, ability, and experience of the final candidate(s), specific office location and calibrated against relevant market data and internal team equity.  Benefits listed in this posting may vary depending on the nature of your employment with Capella Space.    

Benefits/Perks 

In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:

• We provide extensive medical coverage, including strong vision and dental plans, flexible spending accounts, and additional supplemental health options.
• Paid Flexible Time Off Policy
• 401K Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Parental Leave program
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• Commuter & Parking Benefits
• Mental Health Resources
• Monthly Phone Stipend
• Furry friends? We’ve got you covered with dog-friendly work environment & them with pet insurance options 

Equal Opportunity Statement 

Capella Space is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. If you need assistance or require an accommodation during the job application process, please notify recruiting@capellaspace.com 

To learn more about us, explore our site: https://www.capellaspace.com/  and follow us on X and LinkedIn to see our SAR imagery!