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.
SR. COUNSEL, SPACEPORT INFRASTRUCTURE
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Provide expert legal guidance on matters related to developing infrastructure at SpaceX’s spaceport in Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center (and other locations), including acquisition and development of land, construction of spaceport-type facilities and accommodations, transportation, energy and power generation, water supply, vendor contracts for equipment purchases, supply chain contracts, and other commercial agreements
Draft and negotiate land purchases, easements, rights-of-way, leases and real estate transaction documents
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to brief county, State, and Federal landowners and regulators on applicable matters
Negotiate complex construction and vendor contracts related to spaceport infrastructure development, including master services agreements, leases, standard terms and conditions, and equipment purchase agreements
Structure and negotiate utility development (power infrastructure, gas pipelines, water/wastewater systems) including siting, construction, ownership, and operational agreements
Lead due diligence for property acquisitions and long-term infrastructure planning (title, survey, encumbrances, environmental, permitting pathways)
Support negotiation of public-sector partnerships including interlocal agreements, easements, and municipal services for emerging spaceport communities
Standardize templates and contracting frameworks to accelerate execution and reduce risk across major infrastructure programs
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
JD or foreign equivalent from an ABA-accredited law school
10+ years of experience as a lawyer supporting complex commercial transactions, including real estate, land, infrastructure development, and/or capital equipment
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Strong drafting and negotiation experience in commercial contracts, especially in the real estate context
Knowledge of and/or experience with natural gas project development, power generation contracts and operations, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (or other agencies) requirements for oil and gas operations, and mineral rights agreements
8+ years of relevant transactional experience, ideally a mix of:
Top-tier law firm training in construction, supply chain, commodities, infrastructure, or project finance
In-house experience at a construction company, utility, industrial operator, or high-growth technology organization
Demonstrated experience drafting and negotiating commercial contracts without heavy outside counsel reliance
Ability to support complex transactions end-to-end under accelerated timelines
Prior exposure to large-scale infrastructure projects, mission-critical facilities, or complex project finance structures
Comfort working in uncharted territory where regulatory pathways are evolving or underdeveloped
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast-paced environment with minimal turnaround time
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Must be admitted to the bar, in good standing, in at least one U.S. state
Must be available to work extended hours and weekends as needed
Willingness to travel 4 to 6 times a year to the different SpaceX offices for a week at a time
This position is based in Cape Canaveral, FL and requires being onsite – remote work not considered
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. § 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 [email protected].