Senior Compliance Manager

Machina Labs•Los Angeles, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Machina Labs is seeking a Senior Compliance Manager to build, scale, and embed a companywide compliance program in a rapidly evolving robotics and advanced manufacturing environment. Compliance at Machina Labs is a strategic and cross functional capability that enables responsible growth across commercial and defense related programs. Reporting to the General Counsel, this role partners closely with Engineering, IT, Supply Chain, Programs, Operations, Quality, and Business Development. The Senior Compliance Manager will operate at both the strategic and execution levels, designing scalable compliance frameworks while implementing practical solutions that support innovation and operational excellence. This role requires a consistent on-site presence and the ability to travel as needed to support audits, facilities, and cross functional initiatives.

Requirements

7 or more years of experience in compliance, regulatory, legal operations, or related roles.
Strong working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and United States trade compliance requirements.
Experience supporting NIST 800 171, CMMC 2.0, DFARS, or similar government frameworks.
Demonstrated experience building or scaling compliance programs in high growth environments.
Proven ability to work cross functionally with engineering, operations, and executive stakeholders.
Ability to maintain regular on site presence and travel as needed.
Experience in advanced manufacturing, robotics, aerospace, defense, or industrial technology.
Must be able to travel up to 30% annually.

Nice To Haves

Experience working within AS9100 or ISO 9001 quality systems.
Experience supporting both commercial and regulated product lines.
Experience operating in export controlled or defense adjacent environments.
Experience implementing compliance programs in startup or scaling companies.
Experience supporting classified contract environments, including direct experience serving as a Facility Security Officer or Assistant Facility Security Officer, or working closely with facility clearance processes.

Responsibilities

Build and Scale the Compliance Program:
Design and implement a scalable compliance program aligned with business growth.
Establish policies, procedures, documentation standards, and internal controls.
Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership and functional teams.
Embed compliance into day-to-day operations across engineering, manufacturing, and programs.
Export and Trade Compliance:
Own and manage ITAR, EAR, and OFAC compliance programs.
Lead export classification of company technologies and technical data (e.g., ITAR USML, EAR ECCN), documenting jurisdiction and classification determinations to ensure compliant handling, licensing, and contractual alignment.
Own and manage all federal and state business registrations and trade compliance certifications (e.g., SAM.gov, ITAR/DDTC, CAGE, UEI), ensuring timely renewals and accurate filings. Draft and manage export licenses, Technical Assistance Agreements, and related filings.
Conduct export due diligence and restricted party screenings.
Maintain written policies and procedures governing trade and national security compliance.
Advise teams on compliant structuring of domestic and international activities.
Contractual Flow Downs and Regulatory Requirements:
Own compliance regulatory flow downs (in particular, those set forth in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)) across the organization, including:
Review contracts and subcontracts to ensure accurate incorporation and applicability of required flow-down clauses and negotiate removal or modification of non-applicable terms.
Translate customer, regulatory, and contractual obligations into clear internal requirements.
Partner cross-functionally to ensure compliance to relevant flow downs.
Track and verify compliance obligations throughout the lifecycle of contracts and programs.
Cybersecurity Compliance and CUI Governance:
Support compliance efforts related to NIST 800 171, CMMC 2.0, and DFARS cybersecurity clauses.
Coordinate documentation, evidence collection, and assessment readiness.
Partner with IT and Engineering to align cybersecurity practices with contractual requirements.
Analyze and clarify CUI applicability and markings, and support proper implementation of CUI handling and distribution statement requirements in accordance with contractual and regulatory obligations.
Quality Systems and Audit Support:
Collaborate with Quality to support AS9100 and ISO 9001 environments.
Assist with internal and external audits, certifications, and regulatory reviews.
Support site security processes including visitor management and physical security controls.
Strategic Advisory and Risk Management:
Advise leadership on compliance implications related to new programs, foreign partnerships, and strategic initiatives.
Identify regulatory risks and develop mitigation strategies.
Support organizational design decisions that balance compliance with operational agility.
Training and Enablement:
Develop and deliver targeted compliance training across functional teams.
Maintain compliance documentation and reporting processes.
Support operational and administrative compliance activities as the program matures.