Director, Regulatory Compliance & Export Controls

We're looking for a Director of Regulatory Compliance & Export Controls who is responsible for developing, implementing, and leading the company's regulatory compliance framework across spacecraft development, Earth observation operations, international activities, and export-controlled technologies. This role serves as the company's primary compliance leader, ensuring regulatory requirements are effectively integrated into business operations, product development, mission planning, and strategic growth initiatives.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage all regulatory licensing and compliance activities for the company’s satellite operations, including NOAA remote sensing authorizations and FCC/ITU spectrum, orbital, and satellite licensing requirements; Lead and continuously improve the company's Export Control & Trade Compliance program, ensuring compliance with EAR, ITAR, and other applicable U.S. and international regulations; Develop and maintain export classifications (ECCN/USML), licensing strategies, Technology Control Plans (TCPs), and export authorization processes for spacecraft, payloads, software, technical data, and related technologies; Partner with Engineering, Mission Operations, Security, IT, and Product teams to integrate compliance requirements throughout the product development lifecycle, from design through launch and operations; Serve as the primary compliance advisor for international collaborations, supplier engagements, technology transfers, foreign national access, and global business activities; Oversee regulatory compliance for spacecraft development, launch campaigns, mission operations, orbital debris mitigation, and other evolving space industry requirements; Establish governance frameworks for controlled technologies, engineering environments, software repositories, technical data, and mission operations systems; Collaborate with Legal, Supply Chain, Business Development, and Program Management to ensure compliance requirements are incorporated into contracts, supplier agreements, customer engagements, and strategic partnerships; Provide guidance on regulatory and compliance risks related to international business, mergers and acquisitions, strategic investments, and technology partnerships; Monitor emerging regulatory requirements and industry standards, advising leadership on business impacts and ensuring ongoing organizational compliance; Deliver training, develop policies and procedures, and serve as the company's subject matter expert on export controls, regulatory compliance, and responsible space operations

Requirements

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 administering EAR and ITAR compliance programs; Experience classifying hardware, software, and technical data under U.S. export regulations; Experience developing and implementing 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 work effectively across engineering, operations, legal, security, and executive leadership teams; Restricted to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and protected individuals unless required licenses are obtained

Nice to have

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

Comprehensive health benefits; unlimited paid time off; flexible hours; relocation assistance may be offered/available for certain roles