Senior Counsel, Export Compliance
About The Position
Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc. (MBRDNA) is seeking a senior-level Export Compliance Counsel to advise on export control regulations, particularly the evolving rules applicable to automotive technologies. The position is suited to an attorney with substantial expertise in U.S. export controls for software, encryption, and technology classification who can turn complex regulatory requirements into practical guidance for engineering teams, business stakeholders, and executive leadership. The role includes navigating U.S. export control regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and managing the development and operation of the company’s export control program. The counsel will work with engineering and business stakeholders on classification, licensing, recordkeeping, end-use and end-user diligence, audits, and training. The position is on-site in Atlanta, Georgia, and may require occasional travel for team meetings and business needs. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not available.
Requirements
- At least 7 years of combined law firm and in-house experience in trade compliance focused on U.S. export controls.
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school.
- Admission to practice law and good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
- Expert knowledge of trade compliance, including a strong understanding of the EAR, software classification, licensing matters, deemed exports, and FOCI-structured organizations.
- Significant project and program management experience, including experience leading and mentoring teams.
- Ability to manage an export control program and coordinate projects across Engineering, Procurement, HR, IT, and other stakeholders.
- Ability to classify products, technology, and software under the Commerce Control List (CCL).
- Ability to submit BIS license applications, particularly for deemed exports and software classifications.
- Strong analytical, research, and communication skills, attention to detail, and ability to work collaboratively with legal, engineering, and business teams.
- Ability to explain complex legal concepts through clear, concise, business-friendly advice and actionable recommendations.
- Ability to manage high-volume workflows and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team across different time zones.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint), Jira, and similar tools, and ability to adapt quickly to specialized systems.
Nice To Haves
- CECP (Certified Export Compliance Professional) certification.
- Combined Big Law firm and in-house experience.
- Experience leading legal or compliance teams and advising executive leadership in a global organization.
- Strong knowledge of, or experience counseling on, China, European Union (EU), and other foreign export control laws and regulations.
- Experience advising on compliance tool development for a large enterprise; experience with AI is an additional plus.
- Experience working in global technology and/or automotive companies.
- Experience building and managing export compliance programs and enabling collaboration among Engineering, Procurement, HR, IT, and other stakeholders through compliance solutions.
- A record of successful engagement with U.S. government regulators, such as BIS, OFAC, and DDTC.
- Willingness to travel occasionally within the U.S., including to California and Michigan, for in-person collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Advise on U.S. export control regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), with a focus on automotive technologies.
- Manage the development and operation of the company’s export control program.
- Coordinate export control activities with Engineering, Procurement, HR, IT, and other stakeholders.
- Support product, technology, and software classification under the Commerce Control List (CCL).
- Submit BIS license applications, particularly for deemed exports and software classifications.
- Support licensing, recordkeeping, end-use and end-user diligence, audits, and training.
- Translate complex legal and regulatory requirements into clear, practical business guidance and recommendations.
- Advise and present to executive leadership.
- Lead and manage teams and projects.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and their families.
- 401(k) with employer match.
- Up to 15 company-paid holidays.
- Paid time off, including flexible time off for salaried employees, sick time, and parental leave.
- Tuition assistance program.
- Wellness/fitness reimbursement programs.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
