Export Control Specialist

MDA Space; Brampton; On-site; CAD 75,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

MDA Space is seeking an Export Controls Specialist to monitor and enforce trade compliance across Canadian and US regulations. Reporting to the Manager, Trade Compliance, you will handle permits, licenses, and data releases to ensure continuous lawful operations.

The role requires evaluating export controls, advising on risks, and coordinating with multiple internal teams. A path to security clearance is provided as part of the position.

Qualifications

• Two years (or more) experience in export controls.
• Understanding of Canadian and US export laws including ITAR/EAR and CGP.
• Ability to work with cross‑functional teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and maintain export controls policies to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Prepare and review End-User statements, licenses and re-exports.
• Manage EXCOL platform and related export permit processes.
• Liaise with government agencies to ensure permits and approvals are in place.

Skills

Export controls

Communication

Teamwork

Security awareness

Education

Degree in International Trade/Commerce/Law

Tools

EXCOL platform

Job description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 5,500 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission - bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that's been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we'll take you there.

The Role

Reporting to the Manager, Trade Compliance, the Export Controls Specialist is responsible for monitoring, maintaining and communicating policies and procedures, which ensure compliance with all applicable trade controls to assure MDA is in compliance with all regulations set forth by the Canadian and/or United States Governments.

Responsible for continuous improvement; anticipates changing customer needs and changes in the regulations; demonstrates vision in advancing tools, technology, processes; well integrated in the community to stay abreast of best practices.

Demonstrate a capability to balance the legal implications of current export legislation with the requirements to ensure that business continues at all times in conformance with law. Requires an ability to find creative solutions to problems.

Job Responsibilities

• Complete and review End-User statements, permits and licenses, both Canadian and foreign;
• Apply for re-exports retransfer authorizations for US-origin products with the US Department of State or Commerce;
• Close contact with all MDA programs to ensure all required permits and licenses are in place at all stages of the contracts including those needed for early release of data to final delivery of products;
• Responsible for the management of the Export Controls Online (EXCOL) platform and processes related to it including but not limited to export permit applications, reporting conditions, advisory opinions assuring complete accuracy of applications.
• Key player for general Canadian and US trade controls to ensure compliance with US ITAR/EAR regulations, Canadian Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and Canadian Exports and Imports Permit Act (EIPA).
• Liaise with different local and foreign government agencies/officials for trade controls related matters maintaining a high level of tact and diplomacy
• Liaise with and support other MDA Locations on all tasks in this job description;
• Review & keep track of Technical Assistance Agreements, DSP-5s and other different export approvals and liaise with PMO to ensure compliance and suitability;
• Review and assist in developing processes associated with export controls and security;
• Acts as Alternate Security Officer, (ACSO) and Designated Official (DO) to support certain functions under the Controlled Goods and Industrial Security programs.
• Ensure there is no unauthorized access to CGP or US controlled materials which includes managing access to segregated computer directories;
• Provide training on and CA/US Export Controls for MDA employees.
• Reporting risks to management on a periodic basis highlighting any issues along with strategies for risk mitigation.
• Devise creative ways to solve export issues as they arise keeping in mind the business reality of continuing work.
• Support with daily activities as necessary, including jurisdiction and classification reviews and other export or security related tasks as assigned by the Manager
• Support with compliance investigations

Job Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years experience in export controls
• University or College degree in International Trade, Commerce or Law from a recognized institution or 2+ years of relevant experience
• Understanding of Canadian and US export laws, including but not limited to ITAR, EAR the Canadian Controlled Goods Program and Canadian exports and imports permits act.
• Good understanding of anticorruption and due diligence practices policies and procedures.
• Ability to work in a team oriented environment and with minimum supervision
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to deal with all levels of the organization and with external customers.
• Possess good judgement and the ability to resolve complex export related issues.
• Must be dead-line oriented and flexible and be able to work under pressure.
• Good understanding of space technology would be a definite asset.
• Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the secret level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.

We're a dream team of purpose-driven, collaborative and passionate people, and we are constantly looking for others to join #TeamMDA to ignite new and innovative approaches to problem-solving that push us forward to improve life on and above Earth. If you're excited to expand our place in space and driven to inspire the next generation, we'll take you there.

We have entered a new era of exploration and development, and MDA welcomes all who yearn to suit up and be part of it.

An equal opportunity employer prizing diversity, integrity and collaboration, we are committed to growing MDA's and Canada's leadership in this next golden age.

MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including;

• extended healthcare and flexible drug plans
• dental and vision benefits
• disability income protection
• life insurance
• group retirement savings plans
• an employee and family assistance program

MDA is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.

The compensation range for this position is $75,000 - $105,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.