Counsel, Global Trade Compliance

In this role, you will serve as a trusted legal advisor for the SpaceXAI business on matters related to sanctions and export control compliance in the provision of frontier AI services. You will play a key role in building and streamlining trade compliance processes while providing practical, business-oriented guidance to internal stakeholders and the Legal team.

• →Provide expert advice on economic sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and export controls administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS)
• →Manage sanctions and export control compliance documentation, including policies, procedures, trainings, dashboards, and metrics; oversee restricted party screening and due diligence requirements
• →Support continuous improvements of forms, policies, and processes to help streamline and simplify and scale business for AI services and datacenter projects
• →Advise business teams on sanctions and export control compliance terms in commercial contracts for AI services and procurement of equipment and services
• →Coordinate with relevant U.S. government agencies and officials on export and sanctions matters
• →Investigate potential matters of non-compliance with U.S. sanctions laws and export control laws; prepare internal investigation reports for senior management; oversee corrective actions
• →Collaborate cross-functionally with business teams across the company to analyze legal risks, devise creative solutions, and develop strong, trusted advisor relationships

• JD from an ABA-accredited law school
• 5+ years of trade compliance experience (specifically, sanctions and export controls)

• Experience working as in-house counsel or for a top-tier law firm
• Experience advising on AI, machine learning, advanced computing, semiconductors, and other related dual-use software and technologies under U.S. export control regimes
• Proven ability to help design scalable compliance processes that leverage technology and AI tools to improve efficiency
• Ability to adapt and be responsive to rapid developments and changes in direction as well as work with technologies, products, and on novel legal issues

• Must be admitted to the bar, in good standing, in at least one U.S. State 
• This position is based in Palo Alto, CA and requires being onsite - remote work not considered
• Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed 

• 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.