Regulatory and Export Compliance Attorney

True Anomaly•Long Beach, CA

6d•$225,000 - $295,000

About The Position

A new space race has begun. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build innovative technology that solves the next generation of engineering, manufacturing, and operational challenges for space security and sustainability. OUR MISSION The peaceful use of space is essential for continued prosperity on Earth—from communications and finance to navigation and logistics. True Anomaly builds innovative technology at the intersection of spacecraft, software, and AI to enhance the capabilities of the U.S., its allies, and commercial partners. We safeguard global security by ensuring space access and sustainability for all. OUR VALUES Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together YOUR MISSION The Regulatory and Export Compliance Attorney, reporting to the head of the Legal Department, will serve as the company’s primary in-house authority on export controls, trade compliance, and related regulatory obligations applicable to a U.S. aerospace and defense contractor. This role owns the design, implementation, and day-to-day oversight of the company’s export and international regulatory compliance framework and provides strategic, business-focused legal advice to leadership and cross-functional teams. The role is hands-on and operational—not advisory-only—and requires deep subject matter expertise, sound judgment, and the ability to translate complex regulations into practical guidance for engineers, program teams, and business leaders.

Requirements

The successful candidate will be a seasoned attorney who brings significant, hands-on experience and a deep subject matter expertise in ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and related regulatory matters, including practical experience applying regulations in real-world business and program environments. The individual must have direct experience classifying military equipment, systems, and technical data under the U.S. Munitions List, as well as conducting jurisdiction and classification analyses involving complex and novel technologies and drafting related documentation.
Beyond technical expertise, the ideal candidate is a strong problem solver and critical thinker who can evaluate risk holistically and develop creative, practical, and legally sound solutions that enable the business to move forward while maintaining compliance. This role requires the ability to navigate ambiguity, balance competing priorities, and translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable guidance for engineers, program managers, and senior leaders.
J.D. from an accredited law school
Active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction
10+ years of relevant experience, including substantial in-house and/or Big Law experience focused on export controls and trade compliance
Demonstrated experience serving as, or acting in the capacity of, an Empowered Official
Experience supporting aerospace, defense, or other highly regulated technology environments
Ability to operate as a trusted advisor to senior leadership and technical teams

Nice To Haves

Experience at a defense contractor
Experience supporting classified programs and FOCI mitigation
Familiarity with FMS and international defense cooperation
Experience with regulator engagement

Responsibilities

Serve as the company’s lead export compliance attorney for all matters involving ITAR and EAR
Act as the Company’s designated Empowered Official
Lead export classification and jurisdiction determinations
Develop, negotiate, and manage TAAs and MLAs
Advise on technology transfers involving R&D, engineering, manufacturing, testing, and sustainment activities
Ensure compliance with OFAC sanctions and embargo programs
Advise on restricted parties, restricted countries, and complex cross-border transactions
Assess export control and sanctions considerations in connection with proposal reviews and government contracts, including FAR and DFARS clauses affecting exports, technical data, and foreign access in prime contracts and subcontracts.
Ensure appropriate compliance flowdowns in subcontracts and supplier agreements
Advise program teams on export and foreign national access requirements during contract performance.
Advise on compliance implications of Foreign Military Sales and Direct Commercial Sales
Support compliance with end-use, end-user, and re-transfer restrictions
Support Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence assessments and mitigation
Advise on intersections between export controls and classified information requirements
Address compliance risks and procedures involving mixes of classified and controlled unclassified information
Oversee trade-compliance aspects of supplier, agent, distributor, and intermediary relationships
Implement and manage third-party due diligence processes
Support supply-chain risk assessments
Advise on FCPA and related anti-corruption laws as they relate to international business
Review, revise, and continuously improve the Company’s export compliance program
Deliver tailored compliance training to internal stakeholders
Engage with regulators and coordinate regulatory filings as needed
Monitor regulatory developments and proactively advise leadership on emerging risks