Trade Compliance Manager

Company Overview

Allen Control Systems (ACS) is a cutting-edge defense startup founded by two former Navy electrical engineers with a proven track record in robotics and software. We are developing an autonomous gun turret using advanced computer vision and control systems to precisely detect, track, and neutralize enemy drones.

With an engineering-first culture, ACS values technical excellence and innovation. Backed by our founders’ successful exits from two previous ventures acquired for a combined $180M in 2022, we are committed to ensuring that the groundbreaking technologies we develop have a real-world impact.

About The Role

We are looking for a strategic and execution-focused Trade Compliance Manager to own ACS’s international trade compliance program end-to-end. You will serve as the primary internal expert on ITAR and EAR compliance, with deep focus on Jurisdiction and Classification, licensing execution, and technology control plans. Working in close partnership with engineering, product, and BD teams, you will support international business development across APAC and EMEA while building a scalable compliance framework suited to a high-growth defense startup. This is a unique opportunity to define and shape a critical function from the ground up with direct impact on how ACS grows globally.

What You’ll Do

• Own the company’s Jurisdiction and Classification program, including structured Orders of Review, classification decision rationale, and maintenance of a comprehensive product and technical data matrix.

• Directly support the Empowered Official by developing licensing strategies and preparing, submitting, and monitoring all ITAR and EAR authorizations, including DSP-5, DSP-73, TAAs, MLAs, BIS licenses, and Commodity Jurisdiction requests.

• Embed with engineering, product, BD, and program teams to integrate compliance into product development cycles, create Technology Control Plans, and support dual-use and commercial technology roadmaps.

• Provide day-to-day subject matter expertise on licensing, technical data releases, deemed exports, foreign person access, and exportability; design and implement trade compliance policies, procedures, and training curricula that balance regulatory requirements with speed-to-market objectives.

• Conduct restricted party screenings, end-use and end-user due diligence, transaction reviews, and compliance assessments; lead internal audits, root-cause analysis, corrective actions, and investigations.

• Monitor U.S. and international export regulations and proactively advise leadership on impacts to growth strategies; track and report compliance metrics to executive leadership on license cycle times, J&C accuracy, and training completion.

• Support broader trade activities including imports, sanctions, and co-development projects; collaborate with external counsel on complex matters and drive continuous improvement to reduce delays and strengthen compliance posture.

What You’ll Need

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, International Relations, Engineering, Law, or a related field; Master’s or JD preferred but not required.

• 7–9+ years of hands-on global trade compliance experience with deep expertise in ITAR/EAR, Jurisdiction and Classification, licensing, and technology control plans in the defense, aerospace, or advanced technology sector.

• Strong understanding of engineering and product development processes; proven ability to translate regulatory requirements into practical, actionable guidance for technical teams.

• Proven track record delivering high-quality license submissions and J&C determinations that accelerate, rather than slow, business objectives.

• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration skills; comfortable working in a fast-paced startup environment.

• U.S. citizenship required (ITAR-compliant); active Secret clearance or ability to obtain one is a plus.

You’ll Stand Out

• Prior experience at a prime contractor or innovative defense technology company such as Anduril, Lockheed, RTX, Northrop Grumman, Teledyne FLIR, or BAE Systems.

• Previous experience as Empowered Official or in direct support of one.

• Professional certification such as Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer or equivalent.

• Experience with Global Trade Management platforms such as OCR EASE or SAP GTS, and/or AI-assisted classification tools.

• Working knowledge of OFAC, CBP, MTCR, and multi-jurisdictional export controls.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary

• ACS Equity Package

• Health, Dental, Vision Insurance

• Paid Time Off

Allen Control Systems is an Equal Opportunity Employer, providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Allen Control Systems prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.