Export Compliance Specialist – Regulatory & Contracts

Description

Agile Space Industries is a rapidly growing supplier of propulsion hardware and engineering services for the space industry. The business is headquartered in Durango, Colorado, with expanding operations in Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania, Tulsa, Oklahoma and Seattle, Washington.  For each year since 2022, Agile has achieved more than 40% year-over-year growth and our momentum continues to accelerate.

At Agile, we design, build, and test in-space propulsion systems that give spacecraft the ability to maneuver with precision, reliability, and purpose. Our technologies play a critical role in missions that range from lunar landings and resource utilization to national defense, human exploration, and commercial space transport.

We are seeking bold and driven individuals who thrive in a hands-on, fast-moving environment and want to help write the next chapter of space history as part of a close-knit, innovative team. You will take on a demanding and rewarding role at Agile, directly shaping the future of in-space propulsion. As an integral contributor during our growth stage, you will be eligible to participate in our stock option plan, giving you the opportunity to share in the long-term value you help create. All stock grants are subject to executive review and approval in accordance with the Company’s equity plan.  

This role can be onsite or remote, and we are currently accepting candidates residing in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Washington, Utah, Iowa, Texas, and Oklahoma. You MUST live and work from one these states to work remotely for Agile Space Industries.  

Role Overview 

Agile Space Industries is seeking an Export Compliance Specialist – Regulatory & Contracts, with a primary focus on export-control and trade compliance support activities including the negotiation and implementation of export-control-related contractual and program requirements. The role supports compliance with the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and other applicable U.S. trade requirements. 

As a member of the Contracts team, the specialist will partner with Program, Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Information Technology, Security, Legal, Business Development, and other teams to translate complex regulatory, customer, contractual, and security requirements into practical processes that support both compliance and business execution. This position is suited to a hands-on professional who can work independently, exercise sound judgment, manage risk, and help improve compliance processes in a small, fast-growing aerospace company. 

The ideal candidate will be located in Durango, CO, Denver, CO, Seattle, WA, or Tulsa, OK. 

Core Responsibilities 

Export Control and Trade Compliance 

• Support the company’s export-control and trade compliance activities, including ITAR, EAR, and other applicable U.S. trade requirements.
• Provide practical guidance on export-control requirements affecting products, technical data, software, services, transactions, and business activities.
• Lead export jurisdiction and classification assessments, including USML and ECCN determinations, in coordination with appropriate technical and compliance personnel.
• Assist in determining licensing and authorization requirements and support export license applications, agreements, exemptions, exceptions, and other regulatory authorizations, as applicable.
• Support applicable DDTC registration activities and maintain accurate records of licenses, agreements, authorization conditions, provisos, and expiration dates, as assigned.
• Support Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs), Manufacturing License Agreements (MLAs), and other applicable authorizations in coordination with designated compliance leadership and Legal.
• Review business activities, customers, suppliers, subcontractors, international partners, visitors, and other relevant parties for potential export-control implications; conduct or support restricted-party, end-user, end-use, and destination screening as applicable.
• Monitor relevant regulatory changes and assess their potential impacts on contractual obligations, company operations, and compliance processes.

Compliance Processes, Controls and Risk Management 

• Help develop, document, implement, and improve practical compliance policies, procedures, work instructions, internal controls, and tracking tools.
• Support the development, implementation, and periodic review of Technology Control Plans (TCPs), Authorization Control Plans (ACPs), and procedures governing access to controlled technical data, technology, defense articles, facilities, systems, and equipment.
• Coordinate with Security, Information Technology, Human Resources, Engineering, and program teams to support appropriate physical and electronic access controls, including foreign-person access reviews and documentation.
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready compliance records and tracking tools for contractual obligations, authorizations, reviews, training, findings, and corrective actions.
• Identify potential compliance gaps and risks, recommend practical mitigation measures, and escalate concerns appropriately.
• Support corrective and preventive actions and track assigned remediation activities through completion.
• Identify opportunities to streamline contract reviews, improve compliance workflows, and strengthen documentation and monitoring as the company grows.

Audits, Training, and Cross-Functional Partnership 

• Support export-control awareness and training, particularly regarding contractual flow-downs, controlled technical data, foreign-person access, and supplier obligations.
• Support internal compliance reviews, audits, investigations, customer and supplier assessments, and government or third-party audits as assigned.
• Assist with investigating and documenting potential unauthorized access, disclosure, export, transfer, or release of controlled information; promptly escalate concerns and support corrective actions in coordination with designated compliance leadership and Legal.
• Support regulatory inquiries, voluntary disclosures, government notifications, and other regulatory reporting activities in coordination with designated compliance leadership and Legal, as applicable.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Program Management, Security, Information Technology, Legal, and other stakeholders to embed compliance requirements into day-to-day business activities.
• Support export documentation, shipping requirements, supplier due diligence, customer security questionnaires, and other contractual or trade compliance activities as needed.
• Provide practical, commercially focused advice that helps the business meet regulatory and contractual obligations while enabling timely, responsible execution.
• Perform other related duties and support cross-functional initiatives as business needs evolve.

Export-Control Requirements 

• Review contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, non-disclosure agreements, teaming agreements, and other business arrangements to identify export-control obligations, restrictions, authorization requirements, and contractual risks.
• Negotiate contractual terms and conditions with customers, suppliers, and subcontractors, including provisions addressing export-control-related clause, controlled technical data, defense articles and services, foreign-person access, licensing or authorization requirements, and regulatory flow-downs.
• Evaluate proposed contractual language, identify unacceptable, ambiguous, or impractical requirements, and develop alternative language that protects Agile’s compliance position while supporting business objectives.
• Ensure applicable export-control requirements are appropriately incorporated into contracts, subcontracts, purchase orders, and other agreements, and support communication of those obligations to internal teams and suppliers.
• Review contract changes, program scope changes, and new business activities for potential impacts to export-control obligations and existing authorizations.
• Partner with Legal, and designated compliance leadership to resolve contractual issues, establish negotiation positions, and escalate matters requiring additional authority or specialized guidance.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, international trade, supply chain, engineering, legal studies, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible experience in export controls, trade compliance, or a closely related compliance field, other regulatory compliance.
• Working knowledge of ITAR and EAR requirements and their application to contracts, technical data, products, services, or business activities.
• Experience reviewing and negotiating contracts or other business agreements, including the ability to negotiate export-control-related terms and conditions.
• Experience conducting restricted-party screening, transaction reviews, export classification, export documentation, and export authorization activities.
• Experience supporting U.S. Government contracts or programs.
• Ability to interpret complex regulatory and contractual requirements, assess risk, and translate requirements into practical contractual language and business processes.
• Strong analytical, organizational, documentation, and problem-solving skills, with attention to detail.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, exercise sound judgment, and escalate issues appropriately.
• Ability to handle confidential, sensitive, and controlled information in accordance with applicable requirements.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in aerospace, defense, propulsion, advanced manufacturing, or another highly regulated industry.
• Experience negotiating export-control clauses with U.S. Government or commercial customers, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Working knowledge with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
• Experience handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in compliance with federal requirements, including understanding of applicable CUI categories, protection standards, and authorized dissemination controls.
• Experience with DDTC, the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), export licensing, or regulatory authorizations.
• Experience supporting USML/ECCN classification, jurisdictional assessments, TAAs, MLAs, Technology Control Plans, or foreign-person access controls.
• Experience supporting compliance audits, investigations, corrective actions, risk assessments, or regulatory reporting.
• Familiarity with export-compliance software, ERP systems, compliance management systems, or cybersecurity controls applicable to controlled technical data.
• Professional certification in export or trade compliance.

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Employment Type: Exempt

Salary:  The expected salary range for this role is $104,000 – $130,000 annually.  The base pay range shown is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, and competencies; compensation is based on the role's location and is subject to change based on work location.  

Work Schedule: Full Time

Location: Remote Denver, CO

Travel: up to 25% travel 

Remote #LI-Remote

Remote - U.S.-based candidates only. Preference for those near Denver, CO, Seattle, WA, Tulsa, OK and open to occasional on-site visits.  This role can be onsite or remote, and we are currently accepting candidates residing in Colorado, Pennsylvania, Florida, North Carolina, Washington, Utah, Iowa, Texas, and Oklahoma. You MUST live and work from one these states to work remotely for Agile Space Industries.   

This position may require access to facilities, systems, technical data, defense articles, and other information subject to U.S. export-control regulations. The employee must comply with applicable company security and information-handling requirements. Access to controlled information or facilities is subject to applicable laws, authorizations, and company procedures.

Posting Timeline: This position will remain open for a minimum of five (5) days and will continue to accept applications until the role is filled. Early applications are encouraged, as reviews and interviews may begin during the posting period. 

What You'll Love About Us: Agile Space Industries offers exceptional benefits to support you and your family including generous health coverage, dental and vision plans, Flexible Time Off, parental leave, and a 401(k) with 100% company match up to 4%. We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. 

Disclaimer: Agile is proud to offer a competitive benefits package to support our team members as they take on challenging, mission-driven work. The benefits listed in this job description are applicable to full-time employees. Part-time, temporary, or other non-full-time employees may have different benefit eligibility in accordance with company policy and applicable plan terms.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Agile, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. You might be the perfect fit for this role or another opportunity with us.

Reasonable Accommodation: At Agile, our goal is to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates applying and interviewing at the Laboratory. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please submit a request to [email protected].

Recruitment Notice: Agile Space Industries is not partnering with external recruiters or agencies at this time. Please do not contact our staff directly regarding open positions. All candidates must apply through our official application process to be considered.