Director of Legal, Government Contracts

SpaceX•Hawthorne, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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 Haves

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
Active TS/SCI clearance preferred; alternatively, ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance

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