Counsel, Global Trade Compliance

SpaceX; Starbase (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX is seeking a Global Trade Compliance Counsel to serve as the in-house expert on export controls, ITAR/EAR, and sanctions across rocket, satellite, and AI programs. You will partner with engineering and compliance teams to meet regulatory obligations and drive policy improvements.

The role requires a JD with 3+ years in corporate legal or a law firm, deep knowledge of U.S. export laws, and the ability to manage risk, investigations, and regulator interactions on an international scale.

Qualifications

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• 3+ years of experience in corporate legal or law firm advising on U.S. federal regulatory matters, including export controls, sanctions, national-security or trade matters.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert guidance on export controls under ITAR and EAR.
• Drive improvements for SpaceX’s export compliance program and policies.
• Collaborate with engineering to determine jurisdiction and classification for hardware, software, and tech.
• Engage with State and Commerce on regulator interpretations and authorizations.
• Prepare and manage export licenses and license exceptions as needed.
• Lead investigations into potential non-compliance and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to internal audits and policy enhancements.
• Build trusted advisor relationships with internal SpaceX partners.

Skills

Export controls

Regulatory compliance

ITAR/EAR

Legal writing

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Job description

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’s rapid growth has created an opportunity to add a Global Trade Compliance Counsel to the Legal team. This person will serve as an attorney subject matter expert for export controls across SpaceX launch, satellite, and AI programs and provide critical support for various Global Trade Compliance matters including anti-corruption and anti-boycott compliance as needed. This attorney will also play a leading role on the Global Trade Compliance Team in liaising with internal and external stakeholders and helping to oversee and improve SpaceX’s global trade compliance policies and procedures.

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)
• Drive continuous growth and improvement for SpaceX’s export compliance program under the ITAR and the EAR; draft and update policies and procedures, close control gaps and utilize technology tools (such as artificial intelligence) to optimize export compliance
• Partner with engineering teams on jurisdiction and classification determinations for hardware, software, and technology used in rocket and satellite systems
• Support engagement with the Departments of State and Commerce on regulator interpretations and required authorizations
• Prepare and manage export and sanctions licenses and use of license exceptions and exemptions as applicable
• Lead investigations into potential matters of non-compliance with trade regulations, including preparing investigation reports, implementing corrective actions, and determining reporting requirements
• Conduct and participate in internal compliance audits and support continuous improvements of policies and procedures to help streamline and simplify
• Develop strong, trusted advisor relationships with internal SpaceX business partners

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school
• 3+ years of experience in a corporate legal department or law firm advising on U.S. federal regulatory matters, including export controls, sanctions, national-security or trade matters

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of U.S. export laws and regulations and U.S economic sanctions
• Experience advising on multiple trade compliance disciplines, including non-U.S. export control laws (e.g., EU/UK), anti-bribery/anti-corruption, or antiboycott laws and regulations
• Experience drafting advisory opinion or other legal opinion requests to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Department of Treasury, and other federal agencies
• Experience conducting and reviewing due diligence and providing legal risk analysis.
• Experience leading or supporting internal compliance reviews and investigations
• Comfortable owning an ambiguous problem end-to end; takes initiative to find practical solutions

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

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

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 Affiant Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].