Legal specialist & Compliance Officer

Arkadia-Space; Castellón de la Plana; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work up to 8 days per month

Onboarding and accommodation support

University campus facilities access

Job summary

Arkadia, established in 2020, is a pioneering space company with a private orbital test center in Castellón. We seek a Legal Specialist and Compliance Officer to oversee contracts, export controls, IP, and governance to support international growth and compliance.

You will draft and negotiate agreements with private clients, institutions (ESA, Spanish Space Agency) and government bodies, manage licensing, and implement internal compliance policies. Fluent English/Spanish is essential.

Qualifications

• University degree in Law (Bachelor of Laws or equivalent).
• 3+ years in legal compliance, commercial contracts and export controls.
• Experience negotiating contracts, including NDAs, service agreements, consortium agreements, and insurance documents.
• Strong knowledge of export control regimes (EU Dual Use, ITAR/EAR).
• Knowledge of IP law (trademarks, patents, licensing).
• Excellent English and Spanish skills.
• Ability to manage multiple legal matters and advise cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Oversee legal and compliance across commercial contracts and export controls.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage contracts with private clients, institutional partners, and government agencies (ESA, Spanish Space Agency), including NDAs, service agreements, R&D contracts, and insurance documentation.
• Manage export controls and licensing for Arkadia’s propulsion systems and components and ensure proper authorization for international transfers.
• Establish, maintain, and monitor internal compliance policies and procedures to mitigate legal and regulatory risk.
• Support IP protection, registration, and strategy; advise on freedom-to-operate and IP strategy.
• Provide legal guidance for governance, regulatory obligations, and risk across projects and partnerships.
• Maintain and organize all contracts and legal records for accuracy and accessibility.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Export controls

Legal compliance

Intellectual property

Bilingual EN/ES

Project management

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Law degree

Job description

Arkadia, established in 2020, is a pioneering force in the space industry. We have a clear vision: to make space exploration sustainable, accessible, and innovative. We are an in-space propulsion company, developing and commercializing the most performing chemical systems using green propellants, the real alternative to traditional storable propulsion.

Our headquarters are located in Castellon de la Plana on the Costa Azahar. We operate a 100% privately managed orbital engine Test Center at Castellón Airport, the first of its kind in Europe. This facility provides agility, flexibility and speed for tailored, rapid propulsion developments and for testing of engine prototypes and products.

At Arkadia, we trust in every member of our team as we specialize in developing cutting-edge propulsion systems. Our company culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and personal growth. We offer a friendly and stimulating work environment where you can thrive. We value work-life balance, which is reflected in flexible schedules and ongoing professional development opportunities. If you are seeking an opportunity to contribute to the future of space exploration, join us on this exciting journey!

As aLegal Specialistand Compliance Officerat Arkadia, you will play a key role in ensuring the companyoperateswithin the legal and regulatory framework while supporting international growth and commercial activities.

You willbe responsible foroverseeing the legal and compliance aspects of Arkadia’s operations across the following areas:

Commercial contracts and agreements, leading the drafting, negotiation, and management of contracts with private clients, institutional partners, and government agencies (e.g., ESA,Spanish Space Agency), including NDAs, service agreements, R&D contracts, and insurance documentation.

Export controls and licensing, managing the compliance ofArkadia’s propulsion systems andcomponentswith applicable regulations (e.g., EU Dual Use Regulationor USITAR/EAR)and ensuring proper authorization for international transfers.

Compliance management,establishing, maintaining, andmonitoringinternal compliance policies and procedures to mitigate legal and regulatory risk.

Intellectual property support,assistingin the protection, registration, and management of patents, trademarks, and other IP assets, providing guidance on freedom-to-operate and IP strategy.

Legal support for business operations, advising on corporate governance, regulatory obligations, and risk management across projects, commercial activities, and partnerships.

Contract documentation management,maintaining, organizing, and updating all company contracts and legal records to ensure accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.

What you'll need

• University degree in Law (Bachelor of Laws or equivalent)
• 3+ years of experience in legal compliance, commercial contracts, and export controls, ideally within technology, aerospace, ordefensesectors.

Experience innegotiating and managingcontracts,includingcommercial agreements, consortiumagreementsand insurance-related documents.

Strong understanding of international export control regimes (EU Dual Use, ITAR/EAR, etc).

Knowledge of intellectual property law, including trademarks, patents, and licensing.

Excellent skills inEnglish andSpanish.

Ability to manage multiple legal matters simultaneously andprovidepractical guidance todevelopment, financial andcommercialteams.

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Comfortable taking ownership in a fast-paced, growing organization.

Nice to have

Experience in the space sector or high-technology industries.

Familiarity with the space regulatory environment, including EU Space Regulation and national legislation (e.g.,Anteproyectode Ley deActividadesEspaciales).

Experience with institutional contracts (ESA, national agencies, or government frameworks).

Advanced knowledge of compliance frameworksandpractices.

Master’s degreeor similarin International Trade, Space Law, or related fields.

Previousexperience with insurance and liability contracts for aerospace ordeep-tech. companies.

Why Arkadia?

Because here you will:

• Work alongside a passionate and highly skilled space team
• Have real technical ownership and visibility across disciplines
• Stay close to hardware and test campaigns
• Enjoy flexibility and a collaborative atmosphere
• Benefit from up to 8 days of remote work per month
• Receive onboarding and accommodation support if relocating
• Benefit from the facilities and ecosystem of the university campus where we are based