Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base. Our main operations are based in Somerset West, South Africa.
We are seeking a legally trained professional to join our legal and compliance team, supporting our fast-paced operations in the space sector. This role will focus on drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, managing NDAs, and ensuring full compliance with international trade and export control regulations, particularly in relation to sensitive space technologies and dual-use goods.
Job Purpose:
Manage commercial contracts and ensure compliance with international export control regulations to support the company's legal and operational integrity in the global space industry.
Responsibilities:
Contractual & Legal Support
- Draft, review, and negotiate NDAs, supplier agreements and customer agreements.
- Ensure contract terms reflect industry standards and mitigate legal and operational risks.
- Collaborate with engineering, procurement, and business development teams to align legal terms with technical and commercial realities.
- Maintain contract templates and contribute to legal process automation.
Export Control & Trade Compliance
- Ensure compliance with EU Dual-Use Regulation, US EAR/ITAR, and other relevant export control frameworks.
- Classify space-related components, software, and technologies for export purposes.
- Conduct due diligence and restricted party screening for international transactions.
- Advise on licensing requirements and manage export license applications.
- Monitor geopolitical developments affecting trade and export controls.
Compliance Program Development
- Develop and implement internal policies and training programs on trade compliance and contract management.
- Support internal audits and investigations related to export control and regulatory compliance.
- Liaise with external counsel and regulatory authorities as needed.
Required Qualifications:
Law degree (LL.B); specialisation in international trade or commercial law is a plus
Required Experience:
- Experience in contract law and export compliance, ideally within aerospace, defense, or space technology sectors, is a plus.
- Understanding of EU and US export control regimes (EAR, ITAR, dual-use).
- Excellent legal drafting skills.
- Fluent in English; proficiency in other languages (e.g., French, Dutch) is an asset.
Recommendations:
LL.M specialisation in international trade or commercial law is a plus
Preferred Attributes:
- Experience working with space systems, satellite technologies,
- Familiarity with compliance tools
- Strong analytical and organizational skills.
- Ability to work independently and cross-functionally in a high-stakes environment.
- Willingness to learn new legal and technical concepts, especially in commercial law, export control, and international regulation.
- Thrives in fast-evolving environments where not all answers are clear-cut.
What we offer:
- The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry.
- Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites.
- Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
- A competitive salary
- A friendly working environment.