Director of Compliance

Tucker Parker Smith Group (TPS Group); Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Tucker Parker Smith Group seeks a Principal Compliance Leader for aerospace and defense manufacturing, focusing on ITAR/EAR export controls, CMMC 2.0, NIST SP 800-171, and DFARS compliance. You will own the development, implementation, and enforcement of global compliance standards across manufacturing facilities.

The role requires building scalable compliance infrastructure, leading audits and corrective actions, and partnering with IT, engineering, and operations to ensure lawful, secure

Qualifications

• 7+ years in regulatory compliance, export controls, or cybersecurity compliance in aerospace/defense manufacturing.
• Experience establishing and enforcing ITAR/EAR export compliance programs.
• Experience with CMMC 2.0, NIST SP 800-171, and/or DFARS cybersecurity requirements.

Responsibilities

• Develop and enforce ITAR/EAR export control programs across multiple facilities.
• Lead cybersecurity compliance initiatives per CMMC 2.0, NIST 800-171, and DFARS.
• Establish policies to protect controlled technical data and CUI.
• Conduct audits, risk assessments, and corrective action planning.
• Partner with IT, engineering, and manufacturing to implement compliance standards.
• Support integration of newly acquired facilities and training materials.
• Oversee regulatory and operational compliance initiatives, including EHS/OSHA as needed.

Skills

Regulatory compliance

Export controls

Cybersecurity compliance

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk assessments

Audits and corrective actions

Tools

Compliance management software

Job description

Principal Compliance Leader – Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Travel: 60–80% to manufacturing facilities

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Principal Compliance Leader with a strong background in aerospace and defense manufacturing compliance, particularly in ITAR/EAR export controls, CMMC 2.0, NIST SP 800-171, and DFARS requirements.

This individual will take ownership of developing, implementing, and enforcing compliance standards across multiple manufacturing facilities, ensuring operations meet applicable federal regulations, defense contracting requirements, and cybersecurity standards.

The ideal candidate has direct experience building compliance programs, conducting assessments, implementing corrective actions, and partnering with operational and technical teams to establish sustainable compliance practices.

This is a highly visible, hands-on leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in an entrepreneurial environment and is comfortable building scalable compliance infrastructure as the company grows through acquisitions.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and enforce ITAR/EAR export control compliance programs across multiple aerospace and defense manufacturing facilities.
• Lead cybersecurity compliance initiatives involving CMMC 2.0, NIST SP 800-171, and DFARS requirements.
• Establish policies and procedures to protect controlled technical data and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
• Conduct compliance audits, risk assessments, gap analyses, and corrective action planning.
• Partner with IT, engineering, and manufacturing teams to implement and maintain regulatory compliance standards.
• Support compliance assessments and integration of newly acquired manufacturing facilities.
• Develop employee training, compliance documentation, and standardized procedures across multiple sites.
• Oversee broader regulatory and operational compliance initiatives, including EHS/OSHA as needed.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in regulatory compliance, export controls, or cybersecurity compliance, preferably within aerospace or defense manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience establishing and enforcing ITAR/EAR export compliance programs.
• Experience implementing or driving CMMC 2.0, NIST SP 800-171, and/or DFARS cybersecurity compliance.
• Strong knowledge of defense contracting regulations, controlled technical data, and compliance requirements.
• Experience conducting regulatory audits, risk assessments, and developing corrective action plans.
• Proven ability to build and manage compliance programs across manufacturing operations.
• Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• U.S. citizenship required due to export-controlled work.
• Willingness to travel approximately 60–80%.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience managing both export controls and defense cybersecurity compliance programs.
• Background in aerospace, defense, precision machining, or multi-site manufacturing.
• Familiarity with DDTC, BIS, DCSA, and federal regulatory requirements.
• Experience with CMMC assessment readiness, SSPs, POA&Ms, and NIST security controls.
• Experience supporting acquisitions or establishing compliance programs from the ground up.
• Relevant certifications in export compliance, CMMC, CISSP, or CISM.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This is an opportunity to play a key leadership role within a growing organization that is transforming American manufacturing through advanced technology, automation, and operational innovation.

The selected candidate will have the opportunity to build scalable compliance programs, influence safety and regulatory strategy, and work directly with leadership across a growing network of manufacturing facilities.