Counsel, Global Trade Compliance

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 190,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Long-term incentives

Discretionary bonuses

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Medical, vision, dental coverage

401(k) retirement plan

Paid parental leave

Vacation and holidays

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking an experienced Counsel, Global Trade Compliance to advise the SpaceXAI business on sanctions and export control matters, and to build scalable compliance processes for AI services and datacenter projects.

Based in Palo Alto, CA, the role is on-site and collaborates with the Legal team and business units to manage OFAC/BIS requirements, due diligence, and contract terms while shaping global trade policies.

Qualifications

• JD from ABA-accredited law school.
• 5+ years of trade compliance experience (sanctions and export controls).
• Experience as in-house counsel or at a top-tier law firm.
• Experience advising on AI/ML, semiconductors and dual-use tech under U.S. export controls.
• Ability to design scalable compliance processes leveraging technology and AI.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on OFAC sanctions and BIS export controls.
• Manage compliance documentation, due diligence and restricted party screening.
• Improve forms, policies and processes to scale AI services and datacenter projects.
• Advise on sanctions/export control terms in contracts for AI services and equipment.
• Coordinate with U.S. government agencies on export/sanctions matters.
• Investigate non-compliance, prepare internal reports, and oversee corrective actions.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to analyze legal risks and develop solutions.

Skills

Trade compliance

In-house counsel

AI/semiconductor knowledge

Education

JD from ABA-accredited law school

Job description

COUNSEL, GLOBAL TRADE COMPLIANCE

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.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted legal advisor for the SpaceXAI business on matters related to sanctions and export control compliance in the provision of frontier AI services. You will play a key role in building and streamlining trade compliance processes while providing practical, business-oriented guidance to internal stakeholders and the Legal team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide expert advice on economic sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and export controls administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
• Manage sanctions and export control compliance documentation, including policies, procedures, trainings, dashboards, and metrics; oversee restricted party screening and due diligence requirements
• Support continuous improvements of forms, policies, and processes to help streamline and simplify and scale business for AI services and datacenter projects
• Advise business teams on sanctions and export control compliance terms in commercial contracts for AI services and procurement of equipment and services
• Coordinate with relevant U.S. government agencies and officials on export and sanctions matters
• Investigate potential matters of non-compliance with U.S. sanctions laws and export control laws; prepare internal investigation reports for senior management; oversee corrective actions
• Collaborate cross-functionally with business teams across the company to analyze legal risks, devise creative solutions, and develop strong, trusted advisor relationships

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school
• 5+ years of trade compliance experience (specifically, sanctions and export controls)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience working as in‑house counsel or for a top‑tier law firm
• Experience advising on AI, machine learning, advanced computing, semiconductors, and other related dual‑use software and technologies under U.S. export control regimes
• Proven ability to help design scalable compliance processes that leverage technology and AI tools to improve efficiency
• Ability to adapt and be responsive to rapid developments and changes in direction as well as work with technologies, products, and on novel legal issues

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be admitted to the bar, in good standing, in at least one U.S. State
• This position is based in Palo Alto, CA and requires being on‑site - remote work not considered
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• Pay Range: Level 3: $190,000.00 - $245,000.00
• 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 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.
• Employees accrue paid sick leave pursuant to Company policy which satisfies or exceeds the accrual, carryover, and use requirements of the law.

• 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 Aff… . should reach out to [e-mail] .

As set forth in SpaceX’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy,we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.