Director of Legal, Government Contracts

The role

You will lead a team of government contract professionals and manage critical government contracts. You will ensure compliance with laws and regulations and advise the company on legal issues related to government engagements.

What you will do

• Support SpaceX's relationship with government customers by building relationships with stakeholders, industry partners, and internal teams
• Lead a team of government contract professionals
• Manage SpaceX's contracts including prime contracts and subcontracts with agencies such as NASA, DoW, and FAA
• Oversee contract proposal process including bid preparation, cost/pricing analysis, and risk assessments
• 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 potential impacts of regulatory changes
• Prepare reports and metrics on contract performance, compliance status, and key risks

Required qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school
• 10+ years in a combination of managing government contracts cradle to grave and 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
• Must be admitted to the bar, in good standing, in at least one U.S. State
• US citizenship required due to government contract obligations

Nice to have

• 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 Transactio
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated leadership in building and mentoring high-performing teams
• High ethical standards, attention to detail, and commitment to compliance excellence
• Active TS/SCI clearance preferred; alternatively, ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

Benefits

• Company stock or long-term cash awards
• Potential discretionary bonuses
• Ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Short and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• 3 weeks of paid vacation
• 10 or more paid holidays per year
• Paid sick leave

Before you apply

• US citizenship required due to government contract obligations
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful, permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee to conform to U.S. Government export regulations
• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

About the company

SpaceX is actively developing technologies to enable human life on Mars. The company was founded on the belief that a future where humanity explores the stars is more exciting than one where we are not.