Export Control Specialist (All Genders)

STARK; München; On-site; EUR 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

STARK is seeking an Export Control Specialist (Germany) based in Munich to operationalize and maintain the trade compliance framework across headquarters and local operations. You will ensure compliance with German, EU, US, and international trade regulations, acting as the technical compliance expert for cross-border transfers.

You will collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Regulatory teams, handling classification, licensing, screening, and ongoing process improvements in a highly

Qualifications

• Several years (3+) of professional experience in export control, trade compliance, or customs management in a high-tech/defense sector.
• Deep knowledge of German (AWG/AWV) and EU export control laws, plus US EAR/ITAR familiarity.
• Ability to read complex engineering docs, specifications, and software architectures for dual-use items.
• Fluent English and German are required to interface with international teams and authorities.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, scaling environment with proactive, solution-oriented approach.
• Discretion and integrity in handling sensitive, classified data.
• Based in Munich, or willing to relocate to Munich.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day operations of the Internal Compliance Program (ICP) in Germany.
• Classify and license export activities under EU, German, and US controls; manage BAFA licensing processes.
• Coordinate with international entities to harmonize classification, transfers, and licensing workflows.
• Conduct sanctions screening and end-user checks for partners and suppliers.

Skills

Export control

Regulatory knowledge

Technical reading

English proficiency

German proficiency

Startup mindset

Integrity and discretion

Munich location

Job description

At Stark, we forge the future of European and national security through cutting-edge, AI-driven technology and unmatched engineering precision. As a premier defence technology company, our mission is clear: to equip NATO Allies and their partners with next-generation autonomous defence platforms and advanced AI-driven software built to perform in the world’s most demanding environments.

We believe that true security stems from relentless innovation. By combining elite engineering talent with agile technology and an AI-native operational culture, Stark turns complex defence challenges into field-tested, multi-domain solutions.

WHY JOIN US

• The software and systems you work on directly protect personnel and defend European and national sovereignty.
• You will work alongside industry-leading minds on autonomous systems, advanced propulsion, and secure cyber platforms.
• We foster a fast-paced, collaborative environment where bold ideas are supported by serious R&D backing.

About the Team

STARK Defense is a young, fast-growing defense-tech company operating in one of the most sensitive and security-critical industries. With our cutting-edge systems and technology, we support national and European defense capabilities. In this highly regulated environment, a reliable, secure, and high-performing IT infrastructure is critical to our daily operations.

Your Mission

As the Export Control Specialist (Germany), based in Munich, you will be responsible for operationalizing and maintaining the trade compliance framework for our headquarters and local operations. Working closely with the Export Control Lead and cross-functional engineering and supply chain teams, you will ensure full compliance with German, EU, US, and international trade regulations. In this role, you will act as a key technical compliance expert, supporting internal processes and seamless cross-border transfers across our international subsidiaries.

Responsibilities

• Process & Compliance Management: Execute day-to-day operations of our Internal Compliance Program (ICP) in Germany, updating local processes to match evolving EU, German (BAFA), and US trade regulations.
• Classification & Licensing: Perform precise technical control classifications (EU Dual-Use Regulation, German AL list, US EAR/ITAR) for hardware, software, and technology, and manage the end-to-end application process for export, import, and transfer licenses with BAFA and relevant authorities.
• Cross-Border & Subsidiary Alignment: Act as a central point of contact for international entities (including dynamic growth hubs like Ukraine) to harmonize classification, transfers, and export licensing workflows.
• Sanctions & Screening: Conduct transaction monitoring, end-user/end-use checks, and automated sanctions screening for international business partners, suppliers, and customers.

Required Skills

• Experience: Several years (3+) of professional experience in export control, trade compliance, or customs management within a high-tech, defense, aerospace, or highly regulated industrial sector.
• Regulatory Expertise: Deep operational understanding of German (AWG/AWV) and EU export control laws, along with practical experience navigating US export controls (EAR/ITAR) and BAFA licensing protocols.
• Technical Mindset: Strong ability to read complex engineering documentation, technical specifications, and software architectures to accurately evaluate dual-use and defense items.
• Languages: Business-fluent English and German are strictly required to effectively interface with internal international teams, technical staff, and local German regulatory authorities (BAFA).
• Startup Mindset: You thrive in a fast-paced, rapidly scaling environment, bringing a proactive, solution-oriented attitude to compliance and process creation.
• Integrity & Discretion: Exceptional judgment, highest ethical standards, and experience handling sensitive, classified, or proprietary data.
• Location: Based in or willing to relocate to Munich, Germany.

SECURITY CLEARANCE

Due to the nature of our work in the defence sector, candidates must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate security clearance required for this position. Details will be provided during the recruitment process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal-opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.