Regulatory Affairs Specialist

LEAP; Broomfield (CO); On-site; USD 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity Program participation

401(k) with company matching

Unlimited PTO

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

LEAP is seeking a Regulatory Affairs Specialist to own launch licensing, export control (optional), and the broader regulatory compliance program for its orbital launch vehicle operations in Colorado.

The role requires deep knowledge of FAA/AST licensing, ITAR/EAR concepts, and environmental, safety, and permitting requirements, with a focus on integrating regulatory needs early in design and testing. This is a high-impact, cross-functional position in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in regulatory affairs or compliance within aerospace/defense or a regulated industry.
• Experience with ITAR/EAR license applications, technology control plans, and foreign national access.
• Familiarity with FAA/AST launch licensing (14 CFR Part 450) or equivalent.
• Strong written and verbal communication translating regulatory requirements for technical/executive audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead FAA/AST launch and reentry licensing for LEAP vehicle family, preparing license applications and safety/environmental docs.
• Own export control program under ITAR/EAR including DDTC registration and license management (optional).
• Build and maintain LEAP's regulatory framework: environmental, safety, hazardous materials, and state/local permitting.
• Monitor evolving space and export control regulations and translate into actionable guidance for teams.

Skills

Regulatory affairs

Export control

ITAR/EAR knowledge

Regulatory documentation

Cross-functional collaboration

Job description

Company Website: https://www.leapspace.one/

DESCRIPTION

LEAP is looking for a Regulatory Affairs Specialist to own the company's launch licensing, export control, and broader regulatory compliance program. This is a generalist compliance role for someone comfortable working across FAA/AST launch and reentry licensing, ITAR/EAR export control (optional), and the environmental, safety, and permitting requirements that come with operating an orbital launch vehicle.

Impacts & Outcomes — Core Responsibilities

• Lead FAA/AST launch and reentry licensing for the Bullfrog and Bighorn vehicle family, preparing and submitting license applications and safety and environmental documentation, and coordinating range safety reviews to keep flight test and operational schedules on track.
• [Optional] Own LEAP's export control compliance program under ITAR and EAR — including DDTC registration, license and agreement management, technology control plans, and foreign national access screening — ensuring engine and launch vehicle programs stay compliant as headcount and international engagement grow.
• [Optional] Build and maintain LEAP's broader regulatory compliance framework — environmental (NEPA/EPA), workplace safety (OSHA), hazardous materials and propellant handling, and state/local permitting for LEAP's Colorado manufacturing and test facilities — reducing regulatory risk as production cadence increases.
• Monitor and interpret emerging space, defense, and export control regulations, translating changes into practical guidance for engineering, program, and executive teams so LEAP can move quickly without compromising compliance.
• Partner with Engineering, Program Management, and the executive team to embed regulatory requirements early in vehicle design, test planning, and government relations activities, improving first-pass compliance and reducing schedule risk.
• Serve as LEAP's primary point of contact with DDTC, BIS, FAA/AST, and other federal and state regulatory bodies, and coordinate with outside counsel on complex licensing and compliance matters.
• Develop and deliver company-wide training on export control, launch licensing, and regulatory obligations, strengthening a culture of compliance as LEAP scales.
• Advise proposal, contract, and customer engagement teams on regulatory constraints and required disclosures across both defense and commercial dual-use programs.

What You Bring to the Team

• 5+ years of experience in regulatory affairs, export control, or compliance within aerospace, defense, or another regulated industry
• Working knowledge of ITAR (22 CFR 120–130) and EAR (15 CFR 730–774), including license applications, technology control plans, and foreign national access requirements
• Familiarity with FAA/AST launch and reentry licensing (14 CFR Part 450 or predecessor regulations)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into clear guidance for technical and executive audiences
• Ability to manage multiple regulatory workstreams independently in a fast-paced startup environment
• U.S. Person status (U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident), as required for ITAR-controlled work

Bonus Points

• Direct experience preparing or supporting an FAA/AST Part 450 launch or reentry license application
• Experience with DoD contracting regulations (FAR/DFARS) and CMMC/cybersecurity compliance requirements
• Background at a launch vehicle or propulsion manufacturer
• Experience with environmental permitting (NEPA) for test or launch operations
• Existing working relationships with DDTC, BIS, or FAA/AST points of contact

COMPENSATION

Salary Range: $100,000 – $145,000 per year (to align with LEAP's current compensation bands)

Benefits Include:

• Equity Program participation (post 90-day period, performance-based)
• 401(k) with competitive company matching
• Unlimited PTO, generous holidays, paid family/parental leave
• Life and disability insurance options

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

LEAP is an equal-opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in Colorado, providing equal consideration regardless of protected characteristics.