Export Controls Lead

Powerus; United States; On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Powerus develops and manufactures next-generation autonomous systems for defense, national security, public safety and critical infrastructure customers. Our technology spans unmanned aircraft, autonomy, advanced manufacturing and supporting hardware and software.

We are expanding our U.S. manufacturing footprint and international defense business and seek an Export Controls Lead to own and execute Powerus' export compliance program across our technology, manufacturing and global operations.

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of ITAR, EAR, USML and ECCN classification.
• Experience in aerospace/defense export-controlled technology.
• Experience preparing and managing DDTC and/or BIS licenses and authorizations.
• Ability to work with engineers, manufacturing teams and commercial leaders, not just legal reviewers.
• Experience building or improving an export compliance program in a growing organization.

Responsibilities

• Own and continually develop the export compliance program.
• Lead ITAR/EAR classification including USML categories and ECCNs.
• Manage licenses, TAAs, MLAs and other DDTC/BIS authorizations.
• Maintain DDTC registrations and ongoing compliance requirements.
• Review international sales, deployments, partnerships and tech transfers before they occur.
• Establish controls around technical data, source code, engineering information and access by foreign persons.
• Collaborate with Engineering and Manufacturing to classify new products and technologies as they are developed.
• Conduct restricted-party, end-use and destination screening and elevate risks.
• Advise teams on deemed-export considerations involving foreign personnel.
• Maintain export-control records and support audits and corrective actions.
• Deliver export-control training across the business.
• Monitor regulatory changes and translate them into Powerus requirements.
• Support due diligence and integration of export-control programs for acquisitions and strategic partners.

Skills

ITAR knowledge

EAR knowledge

USML classification

ECCN classification

DDTC licenses

BIS licenses

export controls

risk screening

cross-functional

training delivery

Job description

Powerus develops and manufactures next-generation autonomous systems for defense, national security, public safety and critical infrastructure customers. Our technology spans unmanned aircraft, autonomy, advanced manufacturing and supporting hardware and software.

As Powerus expands its U.S. manufacturing footprint and international defense business, effective export control is critical to how we develop technology, work with partners and deliver systems to customers around the world.

The Role

We are looking for an Export Controls Lead to own and execute Powerus' export compliance program across our technology, manufacturing and international operations.

This is a hands-on role working directly with Engineering, Legal, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Sales and Business Development to ensure we can move quickly while operating within U.S. export control requirements.

You will be the internal subject matter expert for ITAR, EAR and U.S. trade controls, helping teams understand what we can share, where we can ship, who we can work with and what approvals are required.

What You'll Do

• Own and continuously develop the Powerus export compliance program.
• Lead ITAR and EAR jurisdiction and classification, including USML categories, ECCNs and EAR99 determinations.
• Manage export licenses, Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs), Manufacturing License Agreements (MLAs) and other DDTC/BIS authorizations.
• Manage DDTC registrations and ongoing compliance requirements.
• Review international sales, demonstrations, deployments, partnerships and technology transfers before they occur.
• Establish controls around technical data, source code, engineering information and access by foreign persons.
• Work closely with Engineering and Manufacturing to classify new products, components, software and technology as they are developed.
• Conduct restricted-party, end-user, end-use and destination screening and elevate potential risks.
• Advise Talent and Technology teams on deemed-export considerations involving foreign-person employees, contractors and visitors.
• Maintain export-control records and support internal audits and corrective actions.
• Deliver practical export-control training across the business.
• Monitor regulatory changes and translate them into clear requirements for Powerus teams.
• Support due diligence and integration of export-control programs for acquisitions and strategic partners.

What We're Looking For

• Strong working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, USML and CCL/ECCN classification.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, UAS, autonomy, electronics or another export-controlled technology environment.
• Practical experience preparing and managing DDTC and/or BIS licenses and authorizations.
• Experience with technical data and technology-transfer controls.
• Understanding of restricted-party screening, end-use/end-user diligence and international defense sales.
• Ability to work directly with engineers, manufacturing teams and commercial leaders rather than operating purely as a legal reviewer.
• Strong judgment and ability to provide clear, commercially practical guidance.
• Experience building or improving an export compliance program in a growing organization is highly desirable.

Preferred

• Experience handling export and trade control matters for unmanned aircraft, aerospace systems or defense electronics.
• Previous experience as an ITAR Empowered Official or readiness to serve in that capacity if eligible.
• Experience supporting FMS, DCS or other international defense programs.
• Experience supporting M&A export-control diligence and post-acquisition integration.

What Success Looks Like

Powerus can develop, manufacture, demonstrate and sell advanced autonomous systems internationally without export compliance becoming either a regulatory risk or an unnecessary barrier to execution.

The Export Controls Lead will build the processes and judgment required to help the company move quickly while protecting our technology and maintaining compliance with U.S. export-control requirements.