Space Launch Regulatory Lead: Licensing & Compliance

Leapspace; Broomfield, Northern (CO, KY); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 145,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity program

401(k) plan

Professional development stipend

Flexible time off

Remote work hybrid

Medical, dental, vision

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

LEAP in Colorado is seeking a Regulatory Affairs Specialist to own launch licensing, export control, and the broader regulatory compliance program across FAA/AST and ITAR/EAR domains. This generalist role collaborates with engineering, program management, and executive teams to keep flight tests compliant and on schedule.

You will implement an environmental, safety, and permitting framework for Colorado facilities, help embed regulatory requirements in vehicle design, and represent LEAP with

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in regulatory affairs, export control, or compliance in aerospace/defense.
• Working knowledge of ITAR (22 CFR 120–130) and EAR (15 CFR 730–774).
• Familiarity with FAA/AST launch licensing (14 CFR Part 450).
• Strong written and verbal communication; explain regulatory concepts clearly.
• U.S. Person status required for ITAR work.

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, 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.

Skills

Regulatory affairs

Export control

FAA/AST licensing

Communication skills

Startup environment

U.S. Person status

Tools

DDTC registration

License management

Technology control plans

Foreign national screening

Job description

LEAP in Colorado is seeking a Regulatory Affairs Specialist to own launch licensing, export control, and the broader regulatory compliance program across FAA/AST and ITAR/EAR domains. This generalist role collaborates with engineering, program management, and executive teams to keep flight tests compliant and on schedule.

You will implement an environmental, safety, and permitting framework for Colorado facilities, help embed regulatory requirements in vehicle design, and represent LEAP with