Global Trade Compliance Counsel: Export Controls & Sanctions

Spacex; Washington; On-site; USD 190,000 - 255,000; Full time

Job summary

SpaceX in Washington, DC is seeking a Counsel, Global Trade Compliance to serve as a subject matter expert on export controls across launch, satellite, and AI programs. You will shape policy, advise on ITAR and EAR compliance, and collaborate with engineering, regulatory, and government partners.

The role requires a JD with strong experience in U.S. export controls, sanctions, and anti‑corruption programs, and the ability to lead investigations and risk analyses within a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor from ABA‑accredited law school.
• 3+ years in corporate legal or law firm advising on US export controls and sanctions.

Responsibilities

• Advise on ITAR/EAR export controls for SpaceX programs.
• Develop and improve global trade compliance policies and processes.
• Coordinate with government agencies and internal partners on authorizations.
• Lead investigations into potential non‑compliance.

Skills

Regulatory knowledge

Legal research

Negotiation skills

Education

Juris Doctor (ABA-accredited)

Tools

Export control software tools

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 ofenabling 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 Washington, DC and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range:
Level 3: $200,000.00 - $255,000.00

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

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To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITARhere.

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