Defense Compliance Program Leader

W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.; Newark (DE); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Competitive benefits

Job summary

Gore & Associates, Inc. seeks a Defense Compliance Program Leader to drive CMMC Level 2 certification and sustainment, and to coordinate export controls across business processes and product development.

Location can be Newark, Delaware or Elkton, Maryland with a hybrid work arrangement. The role requires 3+ years in program leadership or regulated environments, strong systems thinking, and the ability to translate complex requirements into scalable solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• 3+ years in program leadership, compliance, quality systems, or regulated environments.
• Working knowledge of export control regulations (ITAR/EAR).
• Ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives without direct authority.

Responsibilities

• Own strategy, roadmap, and execution of Gore's CMMC compliance program, including certification and sustainment across systems, Defense Enclave, and suppliers.
• Lead integration of Export Control (ITAR/EAR) and CUI requirements into business processes, systems, and product development.
• Partner with IT and Cybersecurity to define and govern the Defense Enclave, ensuring compliant handling of CUI and controlled technical data.
• Own strategy for integrating CMMC, CUI, export control, and FAR/DFARS requirements into APQP, PRR, and QMS processes, partnering with Quality and Engineering.
• Serve as primary liaison with customers, prime contractors, government stakeholders, and external assessors on CMMC, CUI, and cybersecurity requirements.
• Lead CMMC audit readiness, SSP governance, and evidence coordination, plus oversight of Export Control audits and corrective actions.
• Own governance of compliance communications and drive training/awareness programs on CUI, cybersecurity, and export control.
• Coordinate cross-functional alignment across IT, Security, Quality, Engineering, Contracts, and business teams to close compliance gaps.
• Drive continuous improvement of compliance processes, Defense Enclave capabilities, and a culture of security and accountability.

Skills

Program leadership

Export control

Regulatory compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Travel up to 15%

Education

Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, cybersecurity, or related field

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking a Defense Compliance Program Leader to lead and integrate Gore's compliance efforts supporting A&D (Defense) programs. This role serves as the leader and operational integrator for CMMC Level 2 certification and sustainment, while also owning the strategy and integration of Export Control requirements across business processes, systems, and product development.

This role ensures regulatory, contractual, and customer requirements are embedded into Gore's systems, QMS processes, and APQP workflows. The ideal candidate brings strong program leadership, systems thinking, and the ability to translate complex requirements into scalable business solutions.

This position will be located at our facility in either Newark, Delaware or Elkton, Maryland with the possibility of a hybrid work arrangement.

Pay and Benefits:

• $130,000 - $170,000per year
• Roles above $150k are eligible for the variable pay program each fiscal year, based on defined business performance metrics.
• Factors considered in extending an offer within this pay range include (but not limited to) education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Medical, Dental and Vision benefits effective on Day 1 of employment! We offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including competitive benefits. More details are available atwww.gore.com/careers/benefits

Responsibilities

• Own strategy, roadmap, and execution of Gore's CMMC compliance program, including certification and sustainment across systems, Defense Enclave, and suppliers
• Lead integration of Export Control (ITAR/EAR) and CUI requirements into business processes, systems, and product development
• Partner with IT and Cybersecurity to define and govern the Defense Enclave, ensuring compliant handling of CUI and controlled technical data
• Own strategy for integrating CMMC, CUI, export control, and FAR/DFARS requirements into APQP, PRR, and QMS processes, partnering with Quality and Engineering
• Serve as primary liaison with customers, prime contractors, government stakeholders, and external assessors on CMMC, CUI, and cybersecurity requirements
• Lead CMMC audit readiness, SSP governance, and evidence coordination, plus oversight of Export Control audits and corrective actions
• Own governance of compliance communications and drive training/awareness programs on CUI, cybersecurity, and export control
• Coordinate cross-functional alignment across IT, Security, Quality, Engineering, Contracts, and business teams to close compliance gaps
• Drive continuous improvement of compliance processes, Defense Enclave capabilities, and a culture of security and accountability

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, cybersecurity, or related field
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in program leadership, compliance, quality systems, or regulated environments
• Working knowledge of export control regulations (ITAR/EAR)
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives without direct authority
• Strong systems thinking and ability to translate requirements into scalable processes
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Ability to travel up to 15%

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in Aerospace & Defense or government contracting
• Familarity with CMMC, NIST 800-171, or similar frameworks
• Familiarity with APQP, PRR, and QMS integration
• Experience working with secure environments or enclaves
• Experience supporting external audits or certification efforts
• Experience partnering with Legal/Contracts on regulatory compliance

This position requires access to export-controlled areas and information. Candidates must be "U.S. persons" as that term is defined in 8 USC *1324b(a)(3). The term "U.S. persons" includes US citizens, resident aliens ("green-card" holders) as well as certain refugees, asylum-holders and residents qualifying for temporary residence under the terms of 8 USC *1255a.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement in the country from which the Associate is employed. Eligibility is dependent on the responsibilities of the role and business needs, and the Associate must agree to comply with Gore's work arrangement policies.

What We Offer

Our success is based on the capability and creativity of our Associates, and we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive total rewards program that supports your everyday and helps you build your tomorrow.
We provide benefits that offer choice and flexibility and promote overall well-being. And in keeping with our belief that every Associate should share in the collective success of the enterprise; we provide a distinctive Associate Stock Ownership Plan in each country as well as potential opportunities for "profit‑sharing".
Learn more at gore.com/careers/benefits
Gore is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, ancestry, age, status as a qualified individual with a disability, genetic information, pregnancy status, medical condition, marital status, sexual orientation, status as a protected veteran, gender identity and expression, and any other characteristic protected by applicable laws and regulations.
Gore is committed to a drug‑free workplace. All employment is contingent upon successful completion of drug and background screening. Gore will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, e.g., arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws.
Gore requires all applicants to be eligible to work within the United States. Gore generally will not sponsor visa unless otherwise noted on the position description.