Export Manager

We are seeking an experienced Export Controls & Trade Compliance Manager to lead the company's global trade compliance program and ensure full compliance with U.S. export regulations supporting advanced defense technologies. This individual will serve as the subject matter expert for export controls, licensing, import compliance, and government trade regulations while partnering closely with Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, Legal, Business Development, and Executive Leadership.This is a highly strategic role responsible for enabling the lawful movement of controlled technologies, supporting government contracts, and protecting the company from regulatory risk. You will oversee export licensing, government registrations, compliance reporting, internal audits, and policy development while ensuring adherence to ITAR, EAR, FAR, DFARS, anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and other U.S. government compliance requirements.WHAT YOU'LL DOLead the company's export controls and global trade compliance program supporting U.S. defense and government programs.Manage ITAR and EAR compliance across all business functions, ensuring controlled technologies are handled in accordance with U.S. export regulations.Prepare, submit, and manage export license applications, Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs), Manufacturing License Agreements (MLAs), and other authorizations.Maintain company registrations with the U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) and other regulatory agencies.Ensure timely completion of all government reporting, registration renewals, and compliance filings.Advise Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, and Business Development on export classification, licensing requirements, and controlled technical data.Develop and maintain internal export compliance policies, procedures, and employee training programs.Conduct internal compliance reviews, spot audits, and risk assessments to ensure adherence to export regulations and corporate policies.Support government audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory inquiries.Provide guidance on import compliance, customs regulations, tariffs, and cross-border movement of defense articles and technical data.Partner with Contracts and Legal teams to ensure compliance with FAR, DFARS, and government contract requirements.Support anti-bribery, anti-corruption, lobbying, and business ethics compliance programs in accordance with U.S. government regulations.Monitor changes to U.S. export laws and trade regulations, proactively implementing process improvements to maintain compliance.Serve as the primary point of contact for trade compliance matters across domestic and international operations.REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in International Business, International Trade, Business, Law, Supply Chain, or a related field.7+ years of experience managing export controls and trade compliance within the defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries.Extensive experience administering ITAR and EAR compliance programs for controlled defense technologies.Demonstrated experience preparing and managing export license applications, government registrations, and regulatory filings.Strong knowledge of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and U.S. export licensing requirements.Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).Experience supporting import compliance, customs regulations, tariffs, and cross-border shipments.Experience conducting internal compliance audits and preparing organizations for government audits.Strong understanding of anti-bribery, anti-corruption, ethics, and government contracting compliance requirements.Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.U.S. Person status required due to export control regulations.PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience serving as the lead Export Compliance Officer for a defense prime contractor or high-growth defense technology company.Familiarity with Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations.Experience supporting international defense programs, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), or Direct Commercial Sales (DCS).Knowledge of customs valuation, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification, and global trade operations.Professional certifications such as Certified Export Specialist (CES), Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), or equivalent.Experience implementing enterprise-wide trade compliance programs within rapidly growing organizations.Experience supporting classified government programs and controlled technical data environments.