ITAR/EAR Compliance Specialist

Heven AeroTech•Sterling, VA

8d•$70,000 - $125,000•Onsite

About The Position

The ITAR/EAR Compliance Specialist is a critical member of Heven AeroTech’s legal and compliance function, responsible for ensuring the company’s full adherence to U.S. export control regulations—principally the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) administered by the U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). This role serves as the company’s subject-matter expert and internal advisor across all business units, supporting Heven AeroTech’s mission to develop and commercialize innovative electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) and advanced aerospace technologies in a fully compliant manner. The Specialist will own the day-to-day export compliance program, including licensing, training, screening, and regulatory engagement with DDTC and BIS.

Requirements

5+ years of hands-on experience with U.S. export controls, specifically ITAR and EAR compliance in an aerospace, defense, or dual-use technology environment
Demonstrated experience preparing and managing DDTC and BIS license applications, TAAs, and MLAs
Strong working knowledge of the U.S. Munitions List (USML), Commerce Control List (CCL), and related control lists
Experience conducting ECCN classifications and commodity jurisdiction (CJ) determinations
Familiarity with restricted-party screening tools and processes (e.g., SDN, DPL, Entity List)
Must be a U.S. Person as defined under ITAR (U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident) due to the nature of work performed
Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Law, Business, Engineering, or a related field

Nice To Haves

J.D. or advanced degree in a relevant discipline
Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) or equivalent professional certification
Active or clearable U.S. Secret security clearance
Prior experience in the eVTOL, UAV/UAS, or advanced air mobility sector
Familiarity with the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and DFARS cybersecurity requirements
Experience with export management systems (e.g., Visual Compliance, Descartes MK Denied Party Screening)
Experience in international business development or transactions, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, or the Indo-Pacific

Responsibilities

Prepare, submit, and manage export license applications, Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs), Manufacturing License Agreements (MLAs), and other authorizations with DDTC and BIS
Maintain a comprehensive license tracking system and ensure timely renewal, amendment, and closure of all authorizations
Conduct commodity jurisdiction (CJ) and export control classification number (ECCN) determinations for hardware, software, data, and technology
Develop, implement, and continuously improve Heven AeroTech’s Export Compliance Program (ECP), including policies, procedures, and internal controls
Conduct periodic compliance risk assessments and internal audits to identify and remediate gaps
Manage and maintain Technology Control Plans (TCPs) for foreign national access to controlled technology
Prepare and submit voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs) in the event of potential violations, in coordination with legal counsel
Design and deliver ITAR/EAR awareness training programs for employees, contractors, and partners
Foster a culture of compliance throughout the organization, serving as a trusted internal resource for export control questions
Screen customers, suppliers, partners, and foreign nationals against U.S. government restricted-party lists (SDN, DPL, Entity List, etc.)
Support new business development by providing export control due diligence on proposed transactions, partnerships, and collaborations
Support mergers, acquisitions, and investment activities with export control due diligence analysis
Serve as the primary point of contact for DDTC and BIS on license applications, voluntary disclosures, and compliance audits
Monitor regulatory developments and propose program updates to reflect changes in ITAR, EAR, and related regulations
Partner with engineering, supply chain, operations, HR, and business development teams to embed compliance into core business processes
Advise on the design of physical and logical access controls to protect controlled technical data
Collaborate with legal counsel on compliance matters, contracts, and international transactions