SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

COUNSEL, GLOBAL TRADE COMPLIANCE

SpaceX is looking for an experienced attorney to take primary responsibility for solving the company’s legal challenges related to the launch and recovery of its Falcon, Dragon, and Starship vehicles, and in particular, challenges related to obtaining U.S. and foreign export and import authorizations for launch and landing of rockets and spacecraft. Legal areas include but are not limited to export controls, marine operations and safety, and hazardous materials.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide expert advice and guidance concerning the requirements and obligations for handling export-controlled commodities, material, software, technical data, and defense services under the International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administrations Regulations (EAR).
• Lead and support interactions with the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce regarding interpretations of the regulations as applied to launching and landing outside U.S. territory, including required export authorizations and intergovernmental agreements.
• Identify and implement license and permit requirements for launching and landing in foreign jurisdictions and lead implementation of those requirements, including working with foreign regulating bodies and coordinating with outside counsel.
• Identify and develop creative solutions for legal requirements related to launching and recovering rockets and spacecraft.  
• Provide expert advice, training, and guidance concerning U.S. federal requirements related to export controls, marine operations and safety, hazardous materials, and similar legal requirements in certain foreign jurisdictions.  
• Work closely with the launch and recovery operations team to develop proactive plans to ensure compliance.
• Engage with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Board Protection, and the Department of Defense, as required to fulfill the other responsibilities of the role.
• Support continuous improvements of launch and recovery engineering and operations forms, policies, and processes to help streamline and simplify.
• Develop strong, trusted advisor relationships with the launch and recovery operation teams.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• 5+ years of experience working with U.S. federal regulations in a corporate law department or law firm.
• Active bar membership in at least one U.S. state.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of U.S. export laws and regulations.  
• Experience developing strategy for export authorizations and drafting and managing approval of such authorizations.
• Experience drafting advisory opinion or other legal opinion requests to the U.S. Department of State and other federal agencies.
• Experience working in or with the aerospace and/or the marine industry. 
• Experience drafting legal opinions and correspondence to U.S. government agencies.
• Excellent academic credentials, writing, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel approximately once per month.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• This is not a remote or hybrid position and will require relocation if not already local to the Washington, DC area.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:    Pay range:    Counsel: $190,000.00 - $230,000.00/per year    

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of company stock, stock options, or long-term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short and long-term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Exempt employees are eligible for 5 days of sick leave per year.   

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

• To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.  

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX’s Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should notify the Human Resources Department at (310) 363-6000.