Head of Export Control & Compliance

Alta Ares; Paris; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Alta Ares is a Paris-based deeptech startup delivering real-time AI for defense operations. The company seeks a seasoned Export Control & Regulatory Compliance lead to shape and manage the framework across France and the EU, classify products, and drive licenses with efficiency and rigor.

You will monitor evolving regulations, coordinate with external advisors for ITAR/EAR when relevant, and support international deployments while ensuring lawful, risk-aware business execution across multiple

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in export control, trade compliance, or regulatory affairs.
• Background in defense, aerospace, or dual-use industries.
• Strong knowledge of French export control framework and EU Dual-Use Regulation.
• Experience managing export licenses and regulatory interactions.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage Alta Ares’ export control framework (France + EU).
• Classify products under military and dual-use regimes.
• Lead export license applications and regulatory processes.
• Ensure compliance with French regulations (DGA, SBDU) and EU Dual-Use Regulation.
• Monitor regulatory developments impacting defense, AI, and autonomous systems.
• Coordinate with external advisors for non-EU frameworks.
• Support deals with compliant terms early in the sales cycle.
• Interact with French authorities and participate in defense programs.

Skills

Export control

Regulatory compliance

International coordination

Risk assessment

Job description

Alta Ares is a deeptech startup founded in 2024, building real-time AI for defense operations (ISR, C-UAS). Our primary clients are NATO-aligned militaries, with regular deployments during live exercises. Raised €2M pre-seed in May 2025 Products include:

• Real-time AI ISR module deployable on drones and tactical platforms
• Full-stack MLOps platform for training & deploying military-grade AI models
• Data fusion and trajectory prediction
• Paris, France

Role & Mission

Export Control & Regulatory Compliance

• Build and manage Alta Ares’ export control framework (France + EU as core scope)
• Classify products and technologies under military and dual-use regimes
• Lead export license applications and regulatory processes
• Ensure compliance with French regulations (DGA, SBDU) and EU Dual-Use Regulation
• Monitor regulatory developments impacting defense, AI, and autonomous systems

International Scope & Coordination

• Handle cross-border transfers, including cases involving US-origin technologies (ITAR/EAR exposure when relevant)
• Coordinate with external advisors when dealing with non-EU regulatory frameworks
• Anticipate regulatory constraints in international deployments and partnerships
• Support operations involving multiple jurisdictions (EU, UK, US, allied countries)

Business Enablement

• Partner with Sales and leadership to enable compliant deal execution
• Provide clear guidance on export constraints early in the sales cycle
• Support contract structuring (export clauses, usage restrictions, re-export considerations)
• Contribute to go/no-go decisions in sensitive markets

Risk & Sanctions Management

• Ensure compliance with EU and international sanctions regimes
• Assess regulatory and geopolitical risks tied to new opportunities
• Implement pragmatic controls to mitigate compliance risks

Internal Program & Culture

• Develop policies, procedures, and training across teams
• Promote a strong compliance culture adapted to a fast-growing startup
• Ensure documentation, traceability, and audit readiness
• Balance rigor with operational efficiency

External Interface

• Interact with French authorities (DGA, SBDU) and external advisors
• Support participation in European and international defense programs
• Stay informed on evolving regulatory frameworks impacting the business

Candidate profile

• 5-10 years of experience in export control, trade compliance, or regulatory affairs
• Background in defense, aerospace, or dual-use industries
• Strong knowledge of French export control framework and EU Dual-Use Regulation
• Experience managing export licenses and regulatory interactions
• Exposure to international frameworks (UK, US including ITAR/EAR)

Nice to Have

• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment
• Exposure to AI, drones, autonomous systems, or ISR technologies
• Experience interacting with French authorities (DGA, SBDU)
• Experience building or scaling a compliance program
• Familiarity with international export control frameworks (UK, US)
• Legal background or export control certifications

Skills & Values

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to translate regulatory complexity into clear, actionable guidance
• Pragmatic, business-oriented mindset
• High integrity and attention to detail
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, international environment
• Strong communication across technical, legal, and commercial teams

Alta Ares – Next-Generation Air Defense. Deployed worldwide. Headquartered in Paris, Toulouse, Kyiv, AbuDhabi, Athens, New York, Munich, London