Trade Compliance Officer

Firestorm is hiring a Trade Compliance Officer to own and lead our trade compliance program. As we move from prototypes to production, and from domestic programs to international partners, co-production, and a deployable manufacturing platform, export controls stop being a back-office function and become part of how we design, sell, build, and ship. You will make sure compliance moves at the speed of the business — and that the business never outruns compliance. Reporting to the General Counsel, you will be Firestorm’s senior trade compliance authority and the connective tissue between Engineering, Legal, Business Development, and Operations. You will make and document jurisdiction, classification, licensing, and screening determinations; set the compliance requirements for new programs, partnerships, and deals before they are signed; and hold the authority to pause a shipment, a technical data release, or a transaction until it is properly authorized. You will direct outside export counsel on novel or high-risk questions rather than rely on them for day-to-day answers. This is a builder’s role. The foundations exist; your job is to turn them into an Export Management and Compliance Program that scales — embedded in our engineering tools, our deal process, and our supply chain — and to build the team that runs it as we grow. We are looking for a seasoned practitioner who pairs deep ITAR/EAR expertise with business judgment: someone who can tell BD how to structure a foreign deal so it is licensable, tell Engineering what a design change does to a classification, and tell leadership plainly where the risk sits and what it will take to manage it. What You’ll Do Program Ownership & Leadership

- Own Firestorm’s Export Management and Compliance Program (EMCP) end to end — policies, procedures, internal controls, risk assessment, and continuous improvement — aligned with DDTC and BIS compliance program guidelines
- Serve as, or be positioned for designation as, Firestorm’s ITAR Empowered Official, with authority to sign license applications and to stop any export, release, or transaction that is not properly authorized
- Maintain Firestorm’s DDTC registration and serve as the company’s primary point of contact with DDTC, BIS, OFAC, and CBP
- Report program health, risks, and metrics to the General Counsel and executive leadership, and brief the Board as required
- Direct and manage outside export counsel and consultants; decide what is handled in-house and what warrants outside advice, and manage the associated budget
- Build and lead the trade compliance function over time, including hiring and developing a Trade Compliance Specialist as volume grows
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Engineering & Product: Embed compliance into the product lifecycle — jurisdiction and classification reviews at design gates, configuration change control, technical data marking and segregation, and foreign person access to controlled data — so determinations stay current as products evolve and are updated before anything leaves the building
- Legal: Partner with the General Counsel on regulatory strategy, export-related contract terms (end-use/end-user certifications, flow-downs, re-export restrictions), partner and investor diligence, and any potential violation, investigation, or government inquiry
- Business Development: Engage at the earliest stage of international opportunities to assess export feasibility, licensing pathways (DCS vs. FMS, exemptions and license exceptions, TAAs/MLAs), and realistic timelines; shape proposal, teaming, and partnership structures so deals are licensable and close on schedule
- Operations & Supply Chain: Own export and import controls alongside Operations — item classifications in ERP, shipment authorization, EEI/AES filings, HTS and country-of-origin determinations, broker and freight forwarder oversight, and supplier flow-downs
- Security & IT: Partner with the FSO, ISSO, and IT on physical and logical access to controlled technical data, visitor and foreign person access, deemed export controls, and the overlap between export controls and CUI/CMMC requirements
- Translate regulatory requirements into clear, practical decisions and workflows for the teams who need to act on them — compliance that people follow because it is built into how they already work
Licensing, Agreements & Classification
- Lead licensing strategy and execution — DSP-5, DSP-73, TAA, MLA, and BIS license applications through DECCS and SNAP-R — including the agreements that support international co-development, co-production, and the deployment of manufacturing capability abroad
- Make and document jurisdiction and classification determinations under the USML and CCL for hardware, software, technical data, and production technology, including digital build files and manufacturing data for xCell; lead Commodity Jurisdiction and CCATS submissions when warranted
- Govern the use of ITAR exemptions and EAR license exceptions, and manage the full lifecycle of licenses and agreements — provisos, conditions, amendments, reporting obligations, and expirations
- Oversee restricted party, end-use, and end-user screening and red-flag review across customers, partners, suppliers, and visitors; resolve potential matches and escalate true risks
- Control the release of technical data in foreign customer demonstrations, technical diligence, facility visits, trade shows, and exchanges of drawings, CAD files, and specifications
Regulatory Coverage & Risk Management
- Extend the program beyond ITAR/EAR as the business requires, including OFAC sanctions, U.S. import and customs compliance, and the export control regimes of allied and partner nations where we operate
- Monitor regulatory change — including rules affecting unmanned systems, advanced manufacturing, and emerging technology — and assess and communicate its impact on products, programs, and deals
- Support the General Counsel on foreign investment (CFIUS) and foreign ownership, control, or influence (FOCI) considerations where they intersect with export controls
- Lead internal investigations of potential violations with the General Counsel and outside counsel, and prepare voluntary disclosures to DDTC, BIS, or OFAC where appropriate
- Lead Firestorm’s response to government inquiries, audits, and compliance reviews
Training, Audit & Systems

- Design and deliver role-based training so that Engineering, BD, Operations, and leadership each get what they actually need to make compliant decisions
- Run a risk-based internal audit program; document findings, drive corrective actions to closure, and use the results to strengthen controls
- Select and implement trade compliance tools (screening, classification, license management) and integrate them with ERP, PLM, and document control so compliance is automated wherever it can be
- Keep recordkeeping audit-ready at all times, with the metrics to show the program is working
What Success Looks Like in Your First Year
- Every product, software release, and technical data package has a current, documented jurisdiction and classification tied to its configuration
- International opportunities have their export pathway assessed when they are qualified, not when the contract is ready to sign, and licensing is no longer a surprise on the critical path
- A written, risk-assessed EMCP is in place, the workforce is trained, and the first internal audit is complete with corrective actions closed
- Screening, shipment authorization, and technical data release controls are built into the tools teams already use
- Engineering, BD, and Operations see trade compliance as the partner that helps them get to yes, compliantly
Perform other duties as required Required Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, Economics, Finance, Accounting or equivalent degree
- U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations with the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of War (DoW) security clearance
- 8+ years of U.S. export compliance experience (ITAR and EAR)
- 3+ years owning or leading a trade compliance program at a defense or aerospace manufacturer
- Experience with U.S. Munitions List (USML), Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN), the Commerce Control List (CCL), including the 600 series, order of review, deemed exports, exemptions, and license exceptions — and the judgment to make and defend determinations
- Experience securing complex DDTC (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls) authorizations, including TAAs (Technical Assistance Agreements) and MLAs (Manufacturing License Agreements) with foreign partners, as well as BIS (Bureau of Industry & Security) licenses; fluent in DECCS (Defense Export Control & Compliance System) and SNAP-R (Simplified Network Application Process-Redesign)
- Experience leading or supporting internal investigations and voluntary disclosures, and engaging directly with DDTC, BIS, or OFAC
- Experience building or rebuilding an EMCP/ICP, including policies, procedures, risk assessment, internal audit, and training
- Experience advising engineering and BD teams, translating regulation into design and deal decisions, and to influence senior leaders across functions without direct authority
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Business, Law, Engineering, or a related field; JD or advanced degree a plus
- Prior designation as an ITAR Empowered Official
- Certifications such as Export Compliance Professional (ECoP), Certified Export Compliance Professional (CECP), or Licensed Customs Broker (LCB)
- Experience with international co-development and co-production programs, manufacturing license agreements, or transfer of production capability abroad
- Experience with OFAC sanctions, import/customs compliance, and allied and partner nation export control regimes
- Familiarity with CUI, NIST SP 800-171/CMMC, and FOCI/CFIUS considerations
- Experience implementing trade compliance software integrated with ERP and PLM systems
- Experience at a fast-growing or venture-backed hardware company, building the program while the business was running
Who We Are At Firestorm, we are building the future of expeditionary defense manufacturing and autonomous systems. Modern conflict has exposed a fundamental problem: the systems needed most by operators are often too expensive, too slow to produce, and too difficult to sustain at scale. Firestorm exists to change that. We develop mission-adaptable aerial systems and deployable manufacturing infrastructure designed to put capability directly into the hands of the warfighter. From modular unmanned aircraft to xCell — our deployable microfactory — our goal is to make defense systems rapidly deployable, adaptable, and producible at the point of need. Backed by leading investors across defense, aerospace, and technology, Firestorm is redefining how defense capability is built, fielded, and sustained in contested environments. We are looking for builders, operators, and problem-solvers who want to work on meaningful technology with real-world impact. Work Environment
- Position is based onsite at our San Diego, CA Headquarters
- We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate
- Willingness to travel up to 10% domestically & internationally
This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE). The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment. Compensation
- Base salary: $170,000 - $210,000 base, commensurate with experience
- Equity: Meaningful equity grant in a growth-stage defense technology company
The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve. Benefits & Perks Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation:
- We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
- 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
- Equity grants for new hires
- Unlimited PTO
- Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including a holiday hiatus in July, & December.
- Generous Parental Leave
- Lifestyle Spending Account
- FSA
- DCFSA
- HSA
- Hospital Indemnity insurance
- Critical Illness insurance
- Accident insurance
- Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
- Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.
Export Control Compliance To conform to U.S. government export control regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State or U.S. Department of Commerce. Equal Opportunity Statement Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process. Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) so we can provide the support you need.