Is the Director of Legal, Government Contracts role remote?

No — this is an on-site role in Hawthorne, CA, United States.

How much experience is required?

At least 10 years of relevant experience for this Director of Legal, Government Contracts role.

Where is the role based?

SpaceX is hiring for this position in Hawthorne, CA, United States.

What seniority level is this role?

SpaceX targets director candidates for this position.

Is this full-time or contract?

Full-time for this Director of Legal, Government Contracts role at SpaceX.

Director of Legal, Government Contracts at SpaceX

Joblaze summary

In the role of Director of Legal for Government Contracts at SpaceX, the individual will oversee a team while managing critical government contracts and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Key skills include extensive knowledge of federal contracting, negotiation, and the ability to navigate complex legal issues in a fast-paced environment. This position is suited for a seasoned legal professional with significant experience in government contracts and a strong leadership background. The role emphasizes collaboration with government stakeholders and internal teams to support SpaceX's mission.

Joblaze insights

Listed today — first seen on Joblaze October 2, 2026. Last confirmed on SpaceX's careers page October 2, 2026.
This exact title is also open at 1 other location at SpaceX: Washington DC, United States.

Quick facts

Is the Director of Legal, Government Contracts role remote?: No — this is an on-site role in Hawthorne, CA, United States.
How much experience is required?: At least 10 years of relevant experience for this Director of Legal, Government Contracts role.
Where is the role based?: SpaceX is hiring for this position in Hawthorne, CA, United States.
What seniority level is this role?: SpaceX targets director candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?: Full-time for this Director of Legal, Government Contracts role at SpaceX.

From the original posting

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

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

Standard company text repeated across SpaceX's postings is omitted here.

Director of Legal, Government Contracts

Similar positions