U.S. Export Control Manager

Kraken Kinetics•Pinehurst, NC

8d•$105,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges. Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY™ when it matters most. Kraken Kinetics is seeking an experienced U.S. Export Control Manager to manage and strengthen the company's U.S. export compliance program. Reporting to the Head of Legal, this individual serves as the primary subject matter expert on U.S. export controls, working with outside counsel and experts when needed to ensure compliance with the ITAR, EAR, and related regulatory requirements. This role leads export jurisdiction and classification determinations, manages export licensing and authorizations, oversees restricted-party and sanctions screening, conducts end-use and end-user due diligence, and administers deemed export controls. The Export Control Manager operates with the autonomy to engage directly with Engineering, Sales, Training, Supply Chain, and other functions across the company to integrate export control requirements into day-to-day operations, without requiring case-by-case approval for routine cross-functional coordination.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field.
3+ of U.S. export control experience with the EAR, ITAR, and U.S. sanctions required; 5+ years preferred.
Proven, hands-on proficiency across classification, licensing, screening, and technology control activities described above.
Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a high level of organization and attention to detail in regulatory scenarios.
Effective communicator with the ability to advise and collaborate across cross-functional teams.
Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple competing priorities.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Global Trade Management (GTM) software or ERP-integrated compliance tools preferred.

Responsibilities

Determine and document export jurisdiction and classification for hardware and technology under the ITAR and EAR, including complex classification and jurisdiction assessments and license exception analysis.
Support Commodity Jurisdiction (CJ) requests and Commodity Classification Automated Tracking System (CCATS) submissions as needed, and maintain accurate, auditable classification records.
Identify licensing requirements and assess eligibility for ITAR exemptions and EAR license exceptions; prepare, submit, and manage export licenses and agreements, including Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs) and Manufacturing License Agreements (MLAs).
Track and enforce compliance with license provisos, conditions, and restrictions, maintaining complete and audit-ready documentation.
Conduct end-use, end-user, destination, and restricted-party screening, including embargo and sanctions checks, red-flag evaluation, and diversion-risk and know-your-customer due diligence for export transactions.
Manage deemed export compliance, including nationality-based access reviews and licensing determinations, and develop, implement, and maintain Technology Control Plans (TCPs).
Communicate license conditions, monitor access controls, and ensure compliant handling of controlled technology and technical data.
Support continuous improvement of the U.S. export compliance program, including internal controls, audits, gap assessments, root-cause analyses, and corrective action plans.
Maintain compliant export records, support updates to procedures and work instructions, and develop and deliver training on export controls, ITAR/EAR, and corporate compliance requirements.
Partner with Sales, Engineering, Training, Business Development, and Supply Chain to integrate export control requirements into operations, providing practical compliance guidance that enables efficient activity while mitigating risk.
Deliver training and day-to-day advisory support across the business, and support re-export and downstream compliance matters as they arise.
Lead process and workflow enhancements to strengthen export compliance operations, including evaluation of automation and digital tools to improve data accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.
Engage with industry peers, trade associations, and relevant U.S. government agencies to stay informed on regulatory developments, participate in industry working groups, and monitor policy changes affecting the business.