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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, LAUNCH AND RECOVERY OPERATIONS

SpaceX is looking for an experienced attorney to take primary responsibility for solving the company’s legal challenges related to the launch and recovery of its Falcon, Dragon, and Starship vehicles, including obtaining relevant licensing and ensuring compliance with U.S., foreign, and international laws. Legal areas include but are not limited to commercial space regulations, marine operations and safety, and international maritime law.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop creative solutions for legal requirements related to launching and recovering rockets and spacecraft, including preparing and managing certain regulatory licenses and permits.  
• Provide expert advice, training, and guidance concerning U.S. federal requirements related to commercial spaceflight, marine operations and safety, hazardous materials, and similar legal requirements in certain foreign jurisdictions.  
• Investigate any potential non-compliances and prepare reports of findings for senior management and voluntary disclosures.
• Conduct and participate in internal compliance audits.
• Lead and support interactions with the Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Department of Defense, as required to fulfill the other responsibilities of the role. Support continuous improvements of launch and recovery engineering and operations forms, policies, and processes to help streamline and simplify.
• Develop strong, trusted advisor relationships with the launch and recovery operation teams.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school.
• 5+ years of experience working with U.S. federal regulations in a corporate law department or law firm.
• Active bar membership in at least one U.S. state.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience working in or with the aerospace and/or the marine industry. 
• Experience drafting legal opinions and correspondence to U.S. government agencies, including the Federal Aviation Administration.
• Experience conducting internal compliance reviews and investigations.
• Excellent academic credentials, writing, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to work both collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Willingness to travel approximately once per month.
• Ability to work extended hours and weekends as needed.
• This position is based in Starbase, TX and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

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.