Junior Legal Counsel (IRIS2)

Eutelsat; Issy-les-Moulineaux; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Eutelsat in Paris, France, or Turin, Italy, seeks a junior to mid-level lawyer to support the Iris2 project by assisting with drafting, review, and ongoing monitoring of contracts, under the supervision of senior lawyers.

You will develop sector knowledge in the space/satellite industry, take direction, and progress toward handling more complex matters while contributing to Iris2 programme legal administration and collaboration with the project team.

Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer with 1–4 years PQE or equivalent.
• Exposure to commercial contracts is essential; in-house or aerospace/defence projects preferred.
• Strong drafting, negotiation, and analytical abilities; ability to work under guidance.

Responsibilities

• Support the Senior Legal Counsel and Legal Directors as a reliable point of contact for day‑to‑day queries from the Iris2 project team.
• Assist with drafting and review of contracts in procurement, engineering, and technology licensing spaces under supervision.
• Prepare first drafts, redlines, and summaries of contractual terms and help track issues to resolution.
• Provide clear, well‑organised legal input and flag risks when needed.
• Collaborate with the wider Legal team and project team to ensure smooth Iris2 delivery.

Skills

Drafting skills

Analytical thinking

Communication

Team player

Education

Qualified lawyer (France or Italy)

Tools

Contract management systems

Job description

Be part of a new era in communications, transforming connectivity with Eutelsat – the world’s first GEO-LEO integrated global satellite operator.

As a leader in satellite communications, we provide global connectivity solutions - connecting businesses, communities, and governments around the world. We can connect you at on land, at sea and in the air. We also deliver broadcast television channels and packages, transmitting vital news reports around the world.

With Eutelsat You’ll Get To:

• Pioneer the future of Space Technology
• Bring connectivity to remote frontiers
• Collaborate with customer-centric experts
• Embrace cultural diversity in our global team

In a dynamic industry where passion drives our teams to make a difference to become the most trusted partner for global satellite connectivity, you will elevate your skills in a stretching, rewarding, and meaningful environment. At Eutelsat, we’re united by inclusion and diversity, striving for gender balance and social responsibility, on Earth and in Space.

Why Eutelsat?

• Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: With colleagues from over 75 countries, we embrace our global DNA and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We are proud that one-third of our executive team and 60% of our board are represented by women.
• Ways of Working That Drive Us: As "One Team," we work collaboratively towards shared goals, with customer-centricity, respect, and inclusivity as our guiding principles.
• Sustainability at Our Core: At Eutelsat, sustainability is more than just a word; it’s woven into our strategy. We’re dedicated to balancing social, environmental, and economic growth — both on Earth and in space.
• Work-Life Balance: We offer flexible schedules and hybrid work options to help you balance your personal and professional life. At Eutelsat, we are committed to supporting your well‑being and ensuring you have the flexibility you need to succeed both at work and at home.

Job Overview

This Legal Counsel role will support Eutelsat's Legal Team on the delivery of the Iris2 project. Working closely with and under the guidance of more senior colleagues, the role holder will assist with the drafting, review, and ongoing monitoring of a variety of project workstreams, while developing the skills and sector knowledge needed to take on greater responsibility over time.

What You'll Do:

Key Responsibilities

Legal advisory and business partnering

• Support the Senior Legal Counsel and Legal Directors as a reliable point of contact for day‑to‑day queries from the Iris2 project team, escalating appropriately.
• Assist with the drafting and review of contracts in the Procurement and Engineering space — including launch vehicle agreements, satellite manufacturing contracts, ground infrastructure contracts, supplier framework agreements, and technology licensing arrangements — under the supervision of senior lawyers.
• Prepare first drafts, redlines, and summaries of contractual terms, and help track issues through to resolution.
• Provide clear, well‑organised legal input that senior colleagues can build on, flagging risks and open points rather than resolving them independently.
• Collaborate with the wider Eutelsat Legal team on adjacent matters affecting Iris2, and build working relationships across the project team.

Learning and development

• Actively develop sector and legal knowledge of the space/satellite industry, Iris2 programme structure, and Eutelsat's key counterparties.
• Take direction and feedback from senior lawyers as a core part of the role, using it to improve drafting, negotiation, and commercial judgement over time.
• Progressively take on more complex tasks and greater autonomy as competence and confidence grow, working toward independent handling of lower‑value or lower‑complexity matters.

Contribution to the Legal function

• Support the smooth running of Iris2‑related legal administration — filing, matter tracking, precedent maintenance, and reporting.
• Participate in team meetings and knowledge‑sharing sessions, and contribute to the development of the wider Legal function's processes and culture.

What success looks like in this role

Within three months: Understands the Iris2 project structure and key documents; building relationships with the project team and senior legal colleagues; producing competent first drafts and reviews under supervision.

Within six months: Leading on a defined set of lower‑complexity matters with increasing independence; contributing meaningfully to negotiations alongside senior lawyers; sound working knowledge of the relevant contract types and counterparties.

Within twelve months: Recognised as a capable and reliable member of the Iris2 legal team; able to run straightforward matters solus with senior sign‑off; demonstrable growth in commercial and sector understanding.

What You'll Need:

Experience & Qualifications

• Qualified lawyer (France or Italy), roughly 1–4 years PQE
• Some exposure to commercial contracts essential; in‑house, TMT, aerospace/defence, or major infrastructure/projects background is a strong plus
• Prior space/satellite sector experience not expected — genuine interest in the sector matters more than existing exposure

Skills & Attributes

• Strong drafting and analytical skills, with an eye for detail and a willingness to be corrected
• Good written and verbal communication — able to explain legal points clearly to non‑lawyers
• Organised, able to manage a varied task list and keep matters progressing without close supervision on administrative points
• Comfortable asking questions and flagging uncertainty rather than guessing
• Team player, keen to learn from senior colleagues and build long‑term sector expertise
• Resilient and calm under the pace and complexity of a live, high‑profile programme
• Exposure to procurement, manufacturing, or technology licensing contracts
• Eligibility for any nationality, clearance, or export‑control requirements relevant to the Iris2 programme

Where You'll Be

Paris, France, or Turin, Italy.