Sr. Satellite Policy Associate (Starlink Regulatory Affairs)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 190,000 - 245,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid vacation

Holidays

Sick leave

Life insurance

Parental leave

Disability insurance

Job summary

SpaceX in Washington, DC, seeks a Sr. Satellite Policy Associate to lead Starlink regulatory affairs. You will advocate policy with U.S. federal agencies and international regulators and work with engineers to secure licenses for SpaceX spacecraft and services.

The role requires a JD or foreign equivalent and 5+ years in regulatory policy, with travel about 20% and onsite work in DC. Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits apply.

Qualifications

• JD or foreign equivalent from an accredited law school.
• 5+ years of experience with regulatory and policy matters.

Responsibilities

• Advocate Starlink policy before FCC, NTIA, and other regulators.
• Draft pleadings, letters, and advocacy pieces to support policy positions.
• Develop regulatory licensing applications and ensure compliance.
• Coordinate with satellite policy advisors and engineers.
• Direct regulatory efforts to secure necessary licenses for Starlink.
• Provide strategic regulatory advice to business development.
• Support international regulatory frameworks in alignment with SpaceX objectives.
• Travel ~20% as needed and operate onsite in Washington, DC.

Skills

Regulatory policy

FCC liaison

Legal drafting

Broadband policy

Spectrum policy

International regs

Law firm experience

In-house counsel

Strategic thinking

Education

JD or foreign law degree

Engineering/math/physics undergrad

Job description

Sr. Satellite Policy Associate (Starlink Regulatory Affairs)

Washington, DC

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.

One of the most ambitious missions that SpaceX has undertaken to date, the Starlink satellite constellation is our solution to providing fast and reliable internet to the entire world. Our customers currently include teachers in the most remote parts of the Amazon, researchers in Antarctica, digital nomads who travel via RV, emergency responders, commercial airlines, cruise lines, and residential users who live in more rural or developing areas.

Telecommunications is a heavily regulated business and this position will direct SpaceX advocacy to ensure these regulations enable and protect the provision of this ground-breaking service. As a member of the Starlink Regulatory Team, you will advocate Starlink's mission and capability to various regulatory bodies around the world. You will leverage your strong legal expertise to partner with satellite policy advisors and engineers, ultimately influencing and managing the policy environment for both domestic and international portfolios that enable Starlink to serve people and enterprises on a global scale.

Responsibilities

• Assist with developing and advocating for broadband and spectrum policies that will further SpaceX’s business objectives and Starlink’s success domestically and internationally
• Draft pleadings, letters, and other advocacy pieces to promote SpaceX’s policy positions
• Contribute to company satellite spectrum policy and outreach activities with government officials at all levels
• Represent and promote the company positions before the FCC, the NTIA, and other Federal agencies, regulators, legislatures, and regional organizations
• Direct regulatory practice to secure necessary U.S. licenses, regulatory compliance, and customer support for all SpaceX spacecraft, earth stations, and services for the Starlink program
• Develop and administer regulatory licensing application preparation, pursuit, and compliance requirements for system and service licensing
• Provide strategic regulatory advice and advocacy support to business development efforts
• Advocate to optimize prospective satellite and telecoms regulatory frameworks and policy environments in alignment with SpaceX business objectives

Basic Qualifications

• JD or foreign equivalent from an accredited law school
• 5+ years of experience with regulatory and policy matters

Preferred Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s or master's degree in an engineering, math, chemistry, or physics discipline
• Understanding of broadband policy
• Understanding of spectrum use and policies
• Knowledge of radiofrequency spectrum technology
• Knowledge of telecommunications business and regulatory issues outside of the U.S
• Experience working with the Federal Communications Commission and other federal agencies
• Knowledge of key commercial and government players in the telecommunications/broadband industry
• Experience at a well-regarded law firm
• Experience as an in-house lawyer ideally within the tech industry
• Diligent and proactive, you have demonstrated excellent legal and business judgment, technical acumen, communication skills and strategic thinking, along with the ability to work independently and cross-functionally

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel approximately 20% of the time
• Must be willing to work extended hours or/and weekends as needed
• This position is based in Washington, DC and requires being onsite – remote work not considered

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.

• 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
• Various other discounts and perks
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 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 Affiantative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to [e-mail].