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Commercial Counsel, Starlink Government Contracts

Washington, DC
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

Starlink, our revolutionary satellite constellation, is delivering low-latency broadband internet worldwide. As Commercial Counsel, you will provide high-impact legal review and strategic counseling on complex government contracting, international, and commercial matters in the United States and globally.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Draft, negotiate, and review a broad range of government contracts, intergovernmental agreements, NGO/international organization arrangements and commercial agreements, including revenue-generating contracts, service terms, and complex commercial agreements related to the sale of satellite internet and satellite-to-mobile connectivity, including backhaul, enterprise, retail, resale, aviation, and maritime business verticals
  • Lead Starlink's engagements with foreign governments, foreign Ministries of Defense (MODs), foreign non-governmental agencies and organizations, and multilateral institutions
  • Provide expert legal analyses of applicable laws and regulations, including foreign procurement regulations, telecommunications laws, and consumer protection
  • Identify and mitigate relevant legal and regulatory risk by implementing processes, trainings, and controls
  • Support continuous improvement of contract templates, policies, and processes to streamline U.S. and foreign government contracting cycles
  • Serve as a trusted advisor to business teams, analyzing legal, compliance, and geopolitical risks, and developing creative yet compliant solutions for government and institutional opportunities

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • JD or foreign equivalent from an accredited law school
  • 4+ years of legal experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

  • Experience drafting, negotiating, and administering government contracts with foreign government agencies, including foreign Ministries of Defense (MODs), and/or with international organizations
  • Familiarity with U.S. and/or international government procurement regulations/processes, including compliance requirements, representations and certifications, flow-down clauses, and subcontract management
  • Experience at a well-regarded law firm or as in-house counsel supporting contracting in the technology, aerospace, satellite, or telecommunications sectors, ideally to include contracts with government entities
  • Strong background negotiating complex agreements with foreign government agencies, including foreign MODs, NGOs, and multilateral institutions
  • Experience providing legal advice on commercial technology transactions while bridging U.S. and foreign government contracting requirements with commercial needs
  • Demonstrated success managing legal issues for a high-growth multinational company operating in regulated government markets
  • Experience building and maintaining strong relationships with government customers, procurement officials, and internal stakeholders across various geographies and levels of management
  • Knowledge of export controls, sanctions, telecommunications law, and consumer protection issues
  • Ability to communicate effectively and translate complex regulatory concepts for business, technical, and government audiences
  • The ideal candidate is comfortable operating in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with rapid change, and demonstrates excellent legal, business, and strategic judgment

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:
Counsel: $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.

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. Section 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. Section 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.

About SpaceX

SpaceX

SpaceX is one of the most influential aerospace companies in the world, transforming space launch, satellite communications, and deep-space transportation. Founded by Elon Musk, SpaceX designs and manufactures advanced rockets and spacecraft, including Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship, alongside the Dragon spacecraft and the Starlink satellite internet constellation. The company plays a major role in U.S. space access, national security launch capabilities, and commercial space infrastructure.

For job seekers, SpaceX offers opportunities across some of the most demanding engineering disciplines in the industry, including aerospace engineering, propulsion, software development, avionics, manufacturing, robotics, materials science, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, technicians, and builders who want to work in a high-intensity environment focused on rapid iteration, vertical integration, and hands-on hardware development at scale.

Unlike traditional aerospace contractors that rely heavily on long development cycles, SpaceX operates with a fast-paced, vertically integrated engineering culture where teams design, build, test, and fly systems in rapid succession. Employees often work directly on flight hardware and production systems, contributing to programs that routinely push the boundaries of reusability, launch frequency, and cost reduction in space access.

As global demand for satellite communications, space infrastructure, and national security launch services continues to grow, SpaceX remains one of the most important employers in aerospace and defense-adjacent technology. For professionals seeking a highly challenging, mission-driven career at the cutting edge of spaceflight and advanced engineering, SpaceX stands out as one of the most ambitious and impactful companies in the world.

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