Compliance Manager / Director / Counsel

Inertia; Livermore (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401k with matching

Paid holidays

Job summary

Inertia seeks an experienced compliance leader to build and run the export controls and trade compliance function as it scales its fusion energy program. You will own the program, translate complex regulations into actionable guidance, and partner with Engineering, Operations, and leadership to embed compliance into product and research activities.

The role requires a deep background in EAR/ITAR and DOE/NNSA requirements, with the ability to operate independently in a fast-moving, startup-like

Qualifications

• 10+ years in export controls, trade compliance, or a closely related regulatory field.
• Deep working knowledge of EAR, ITAR, and related regulations.
• Experience independently analyzing complex export control questions for technical teams.
• Experience with classifications, licensing, deemed exports, and program development.
• Experience in highly regulated, technical environments such as aerospace, energy, or national labs.

Responsibilities

• Own and develop Inertia's trade compliance and export control program across regulated technologies.
• Ensure compliance with EAR, ITAR, 10 CFR 810, DOE/NNSA regulations and government contracts.
• Advise teams on export classifications, licensing, and technology controls.
• Develop processes for controlled information access and documentation.
• Conduct risk assessments, trainings, and internal investigations; implement corrective actions.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, IT, Security, and leadership to integrate compliance.
• Monitor regulatory changes and translate them into practical guidance for the organization.
• Support government-funded programs and national lab partnerships as needed.

Skills

Export controls

Trade compliance

Regulatory analysis

Program development

cross-functional collaboration

Independent work

Risk assessment

Documentation

Job description

Overview:

Inertia is seeking an experienced compliance professional to lead and build our compliance function, starting with a focus on export controls and trade compliance and expanding over time into broader regulatory compliance as we scale the our operations required to commercialize fusion energy.

This is an opportunity to build the compliance infrastructure for a highly technical, rapidly growing company operating at the intersection of fusion energy, advanced technology, national laboratories, and the U.S. government. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating independently, building programs from the ground up, and wearing multiple hats as the needs of the business evolve – someone with deep expertise in trade compliance who is excited to grow into other compliance and operational areas as the function expands. We are considering candidates at the Manager, Director, or Counsel / Attorney level.

What You’ll Get to Do:

• Own and develop Inertia's trade compliance and export control program, translating requirements under the EAR, ITAR, CUI requirements, 10 CFR Part 810, and DOE/NNSA regulations into practical guidance for controlled technologies, software, technical data, and collaborative research activities.

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations and contractual requirements governing CRADAs, SPPs, and other government-funded programs, national laboratory partnerships, and other government contracts and agreements

• Advise teams on export classifications, licensing requirements, technology controls, deemed exports, and other compliance considerations.

• Develop practical processes for managing controlled technical information and access by U.S. and non-U.S. persons.

• Conduct export jurisdiction and classification analyses, including ECCN and determinations, and maintain appropriate documentation.

• Partner closely with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Talent, IT, Security, and company leadership to integrate trade compliance into business and technical processes.

• Support compliance considerations associated with government-funded programs, national laboratory partnerships, and other government agreements.

• Advise on trade compliance requirements within contracts, supplier relationships, technology transfers, and international activities.

• Conduct risk assessments, internal reviews, training, and investigations and develop corrective actions where appropriate.

• Monitor changes to applicable export control and regulatory requirements and translate them into practical guidance for the organization.

• Build scalable compliance processes that support Inertia's continued growth without creating unnecessary barriers to execution.

What You Bring to Inertia:

• 10+ years of experience in export controls, trade compliance, or a closely related regulatory field.

• Deep working knowledge of the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), .

• Experience independently analyzing complex export control questions and providing practical guidance to technical and business teams.

• Experience with export classifications, licensing, deemed exports, technology control plans, restricted-party considerations, and compliance program development.

• Experience working in a highly technical environment such as aerospace, defense, energy, nuclear, advanced manufacturing, national laboratories, or another regulated technology industry.

• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear, workable processes for engineers and other non-legal stakeholders.

• Strong judgment and the ability to balance compliance requirements with the practical needs of a fast-moving organization.

• Ability to operate independently, identify risks proactively, and build programs and processes with limited existing infrastructure.

• Comfort working in a startup environment where responsibilities may evolve as the company grows.

Bonus Points:

• Experience working within the DOE, NNSA, national laboratory, nuclear energy, or fusion energy ecosystem.

• Experience supporting government contracts or agreements and familiarity with requirements such as DFARS.

• Legal experience beyond trade compliance, particularly in commercial contracts, corporate matters, government contracting, or other areas relevant to a growing technology company.

• Experience establishing or scaling a trade compliance program within a startup or rapidly growing organization.

Salary & Benefits:

• The base salary range for this role is $150,000- $250,000 The pay range provided is an estimated base range for this role. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and education.

• We offer market-competitive compensation and an excellent benefits program, including Medical, Dental, and Vision plans, company-paid holidays, matching 401k, and more!

About Inertia:

Inertia is taking the most direct, scientifically-proven path to commercializing fusion, leveraging the only successful achievement of fusion ignition, using a process that was pioneered at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). With groundbreaking innovation, transformative technology, and multi-year investment, Inertia is committed to commercializing fusion energy in the next decade.