Director, Regulatory Compliance & Export Controls

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director, Regulatory Compliance & Export Controls based in United States.

This role offers the opportunity to lead regulatory compliance strategy within a fast-growing space technology organization. You will serve as the primary compliance leader, ensuring complex regulatory requirements are embedded across spacecraft development, mission operations, and international business activities. The position combines expertise in export controls, aerospace regulations, and strategic business partnership. You will collaborate with engineering, legal, security, operations, supply chain, and executive teams to build scalable compliance frameworks. This role provides significant visibility and influence while supporting innovative technologies and global expansion initiatives. You will help enable responsible growth by managing regulatory risk and ensuring mission-critical operations remain compliant. The ideal candidate is a strategic compliance professional passionate about advancing the future of space technology.

Accountabilities:: The Director, Regulatory Compliance & Export Controls will oversee the development and execution of regulatory compliance programs supporting spacecraft operations, controlled technologies, and international activities. This role will act as a trusted advisor across the organization, ensuring compliance requirements are integrated into business processes, product development, and strategic initiatives.

Lead regulatory licensing and compliance activities related to satellite operations, including remote sensing authorizations and spectrum, orbital, and satellite licensing requirements.

Own and continuously enhance export control and trade compliance programs, ensuring alignment with EAR, ITAR, and applicable international regulations.

Develop and maintain export classifications, including ECCN and USML determinations, licensing strategies, Technology Control Plans, and authorization processes.

Partner with engineering, mission operations, security, IT, and product teams to incorporate compliance requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

Serve as the primary compliance advisor for international partnerships, supplier relationships, technology transfers, foreign national access, and global business activities.

Oversee compliance activities related to spacecraft development, launch campaigns, mission operations, orbital safety, and evolving space industry requirements.

Establish governance frameworks for controlled technologies, technical data, software environments, engineering systems, and operational processes.

Collaborate with legal, supply chain, business development, and program management teams to incorporate compliance requirements into contracts and strategic partnerships.

Provide guidance on regulatory risks associated with international expansion, mergers and acquisitions, investments, and technology collaborations.

Monitor regulatory developments and industry standards, advising leadership on potential impacts and required actions.

Develop compliance policies, training programs, procedures, and best practices while serving as a subject matter expert for regulatory matters.

Support the creation of a scalable compliance organization capable of supporting continued growth and innovation.

Requirements:

The ideal candidate brings extensive experience managing regulatory compliance programs within aerospace, defense, satellite, or similarly regulated industries. This role requires strong technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate across multiple functions and leadership levels.

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aerospace, Physics, International Trade, Business, Law, or a related discipline.

8+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, satellite, remote sensing, or other highly regulated industries.

Demonstrated experience managing EAR and ITAR compliance programs.

Experience classifying hardware, software, and technical data under U.S. export control regulations.

Proven ability to develop and implement Technology Control Plans and export compliance procedures.

Experience supporting spacecraft, satellite, launch, Earth observation, or remote sensing programs.

Familiarity with FCC licensing, orbital debris requirements, space safety regulations, and launch-related compliance activities.

Ability to build strong partnerships with engineering, operations, legal, security, and executive teams.

Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage complex regulatory challenges.

Excellent communication skills and the ability to translate compliance requirements into practical business solutions.

Preferred qualifications include:

Experience supporting international operations and technology transfers.

Experience building compliance programs within a high-growth or startup environment.

Experience supporting mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.

Benefits:

Competitive annual salary range of approximately $190,000 – $225,000 USD , depending on experience, skills, and location.

Eligibility for additional compensation opportunities.

Comprehensive health benefits package.

Unlimited paid time off policy designed to promote flexibility and work-life balance.

Flexible work environment with support for remote work arrangements.

Career growth opportunities within an innovative technology-focused organization.

Opportunities to work on impactful projects supporting advanced space and weather technology.

Relocation assistance may be available for eligible roles.

How Jobgether works: We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team. We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!  Why Apply Through Jobgether?    Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.     #LI-CL1