Product Compliance Manager

The Product Compliance Manager is responsible for ensuring that products meet all applicable material, environmental, and regulatory compliance requirements for aerospace, space, and defense applications. This role supports compliance efforts across the full product lifecycle, including design, sourcing, manufacturing, and customer delivery.In addition to hands-on compliance execution leads the product compliance function and directly manages a team of compliance professionals (team size based on business needs). The role is accountable for program governance, audit readiness, and stakeholder alignment in high-reliability environments requiring strict documentation and traceability.Key ResponsibilitiesAssess product and material compliance with applicable regulations and standards, including RoHS, REACH, and defense/aerospace customer requirements

Analyze complex multi-level BOMs to identify restricted, reportable, or high-risk substances

Collect, review, and validate supplier documentation (Full Material Declarations, SDS, Certificates of Compliance)Utilize and maintain compliance software systems for material data tracking, validation, and reporting

Partner with engineering teams to ensure compliant material selection during design and product changes

Support component qualification and obsolescence management with compliance considerations

Prepare compliance documentation packages for customers, audits, and regulatory submissions

Monitor evolving global regulations and assess impact on existing and future products

Support internal and external audits, including customer and government compliance reviews

Drive continuous improvement in compliance data quality, traceability, and system automation

Managerial / Leadership ResponsibilitiesOwn the product compliance program for assigned product lines/sites, including strategy, prioritization, resourcing recommendations, and execution tracking

Lead and mentor compliance staff and/or cross-functional contributors (e.g., engineering, supply chain, quality) on compliance processes, expectations, and best practices

Establish and maintain standard work, procedures, and governance for compliance activities (e.g., supplier documentation intake, BOM review rules, exception handling)Serve as the primary escalation point for compliance risks, nonconformances, and customer/regulatory findings; drive corrective and preventive actions (CAPA) as needed

Provide management-level reporting on compliance KPIs, risk posture, and audit readiness; communicate status and decisions to internal leadership and external stakeholders

Lead cross-functional reviews for material risk assessments, regulatory change impacts, and customer-specific compliance requirements

Required QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or related field3+ years of experience in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability industries

Knowledge of material compliance regulations (e.g., RoHS, REACH) and supply chain data requirements

Experience working with BOM analysis and product lifecycle data

Familiarity with compliance, PLM, or ERP systems

Ability to interpret regulatory requirements and apply them to complex products

Strong attention to detail and documentation discipline

Demonstrated leadership in driving cross-functional initiatives and influencing stakeholders without direct authority

Preferred QualificationsExperience with aerospace/defense standards and quality systems such as AS9100Familiarity with export control regulations such as ITAR and EARExperience supporting space-grade or ruggedized electronic/mechanical systems

Experience with compliance tools such as 3rd Party Platforms, Arena PLM, or SAPKnowledge of additional regulations (e.g., Conflict Minerals, PFAS, California Prop 65)Experience working with global suppliers and regulated supply chains

Prior experience leading projects, mentoring staff, or acting as a functional lead for compliance or quality-related programs

Key CompetenciesHigh attention to detail and data integrity

Strong documentation and traceability mindset

Ability to work in regulated, audit-driven environments

Cross-functional collaboration with engineering, quality, and supply chain

Critical thinking and risk assessment

Program ownership, prioritization, and stakeholder management

Coaching/mentoring and driving accountability across teams

Performance Metrics (KPIs)Accuracy and completeness of compliance assessments and documentation

On-time delivery of compliance reports and customer documentation

Supplier compliance data completeness and quality

Audit readiness and successful audit outcomes

Reduction of compliance-related risks in released products

Closure time and effectiveness of compliance-driven corrective actions

Adoption and adherence to standard compliance processes across teams

Work EnvironmentThis role operates in a structured, quality-driven environment supporting aerospace, defense, and space applications. Work may involve handling controlled technical data subject to ITAR or EAR requirements. Collaboration across engineering, quality, supply chain, and external partners is essential.