Director of Legal, Government Contracts

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.

DIRECTOR OF LEGAL, GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS

As a Director of Legal, Government Contracts, you will lead a team of seasoned government contract professionals while also independently managing some of the company’s most critical government contracts and advising the company on related legal issues. You will ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and help mitigate risks associated with the company’s government engagements. You will be responsible for the full lifecycle of government contracts, including proposal development, negotiations, and adherence to FAR, DFAR and all other relevant statutes and regulations.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to develop and maintain productive relationships with both mission partners within customer organizations and internal SpaceX teams across a range of technical and corporate functions. They will also thrive in a fast-paced environment and be comfortable with independent decision-making.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Support SpaceX’s relationship with its government customers by, among other things, building and maintaining relationships with government stakeholders, industry partners, and internal teams

Lead a team of government contract professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement

Manage SpaceX’s contracts, to include prime contracts and subcontracts, with government agencies such as NASA, DoW, FAA, and others

Oversee contract proposal process, including bid preparation, cost/pricing analysis, and risk assessments to maximize win rates

Manage contract performance, modifications, disputes, complex legal issues, and audits

Serve as the primary point of contact for government contracting officers and auditors

Monitor changes in federal laws, regulations, and government policies, advise senior company leadership on the potential impacts of such changes, and recommend proactive measures

Prepare reports and metrics on contract performance, compliance status, and key risks for executive review

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

10+ years in a combination of (i) managing government contracts cradle to grave and (ii) serving as legal counsel on government contracting issues

5+ years in a people leadership role

Experience managing complex federal contracts in regulated industries (e.g., aerospace, defense, or technology)

Experience with classified contracts and security clearances

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Certification in government contracting (CPCM, CFCM) highly desirable

Extensive knowledge of government contracts and contract types, the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation (DFAR), NASA FAR Supplement (NFS), and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs)

Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills with the ability to handle fast, high-pressure situations

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels

Demonstrated leadership in building and mentoring high-performing teams

High ethical standards, attention to detail, and commitment to compliance excellence

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be admitted to the bar, in good standing, in at least one U.S. State

This position is based in Hawthorne, CA and requires being onsite at a SpaceX office; remote work will not be considered

Must be able to work extended hours and weekends, as needed

US citizenship required due to government contract obligations

Active TS/SCI clearance preferred; alternatively, ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay Range: $275,000.00 - $340,000.00

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.

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 reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com .