Title: ITAR/EAR Compliance Specialist
Company: Heven AeroTech
Location: Sterling, Virginia
FLSA: Exempt
About Our Company:
At Heven AeroTech (Heven), we don’t just believe in the power of people—we build our success on it. As a recognized leader in hydrogen-powered drones, we’ve earned recognition for creating a workplace where innovation thrives, collaboration is second nature, and every employee feels valued. Our culture is anchored in trust and a shared commitment to excellence.
We believe great teams are built on individuals who are humble, hungry, and smart—those who put team success first, take initiative to continuously improve, and demonstrate strong interpersonal awareness. At Heven, your voice matters, your ideas are heard, and your contributions make a tangible impact as you grow through hands-on experience and collaboration across the team.
Role Summary:
The ITAR/EAR Compliance Specialist is a critical member of Heven AeroTech’s legal and compliance function, responsible for ensuring the company’s full adherence to U.S. export control regulations—principally the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) administered by the U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).
This role serves as the company’s subject-matter expert and internal advisor across all business units, supporting Heven AeroTech’s mission to develop and commercialize innovative electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) and advanced aerospace technologies in a fully compliant manner. The Specialist will own the day-to-day export compliance program, including licensing, training, screening, and regulatory engagement with DDTC and BIS.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Prepare, submit, and manage export license applications, Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs), Manufacturing License Agreements (MLAs), and other authorizations with DDTC and BIS
- Maintain a comprehensive license tracking system and ensure timely renewal, amendment, and closure of all authorizations
- Conduct commodity jurisdiction (CJ) and export control classification number (ECCN) determinations for hardware, software, data, and technology
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve Heven AeroTech’s Export Compliance Program (ECP), including policies, procedures, and internal controls
- Conduct periodic compliance risk assessments and internal audits to identify and remediate gaps
- Manage and maintain Technology Control Plans (TCPs) for foreign national access to controlled technology
- Prepare and submit voluntary self-disclosures (VSDs) in the event of potential violations, in coordination with legal counsel
- Design and deliver ITAR/EAR awareness training programs for employees, contractors, and partners
- Foster a culture of compliance throughout the organization, serving as a trusted internal resource for export control questions
- Screen customers, suppliers, partners, and foreign nationals against U.S. government restricted-party lists (SDN, DPL, Entity List, etc.)
- Support new business development by providing export control due diligence on proposed transactions, partnerships, and collaborations
- Support mergers, acquisitions, and investment activities with export control due diligence analysis
- Serve as the primary point of contact for DDTC and BIS on license applications, voluntary disclosures, and compliance audits
- Monitor regulatory developments and propose program updates to reflect changes in ITAR, EAR, and related regulations
- Partner with engineering, supply chain, operations, HR, and business development teams to embed compliance into core business processes
- Advise on the design of physical and logical access controls to protect controlled technical data
- Collaborate with legal counsel on compliance matters, contracts, and international transactions
Qualifications & Experience:
Required:
- 5+ years of hands-on experience with U.S. export controls, specifically ITAR and EAR compliance in an aerospace, defense, or dual-use technology environment
- Demonstrated experience preparing and managing DDTC and BIS license applications, TAAs, and MLAs
- Strong working knowledge of the U.S. Munitions List (USML), Commerce Control List (CCL), and related control lists
- Experience conducting ECCN classifications and commodity jurisdiction (CJ) determinations
- Familiarity with restricted-party screening tools and processes (e.g., SDN, DPL, Entity List)
- Must be a U.S. Person as defined under ITAR (U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident) due to the nature of work performed
- Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Law, Business, Engineering, or a related field
Preferred:
- J.D. or advanced degree in a relevant discipline
- Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) or equivalent professional certification
- Active or clearable U.S. Secret security clearance
- Prior experience in the eVTOL, UAV/UAS, or advanced air mobility sector
- Familiarity with the National Industrial Security Program (NISP) and DFARS cybersecurity requirements
- Experience with export management systems (e.g., Visual Compliance, Descartes MK Denied Party Screening)
- Experience in international business development or transactions, particularly in Europe, the Middle East, or the Indo-Pacific
Physical Requirements:
- Ability to work in a standard office environment and perform computer-based work for extended periods, including prolonged sitting, typing, and viewing computer screens
- Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in person, by phone, and through virtual communication platforms with internal teams, government agencies, customers, and external partners
- Ability to review, analyze, and interpret detailed technical, legal, and regulatory documents with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail
- Ability to occasionally move, transport, or set up materials and equipment weighing up to 20 pounds, including files, laptops, presentation materials, and compliance documentation
- Ability to travel occasionally for customer meetings, government engagements, audits, conferences, training events, or site visits, including potential visits to manufacturing, laboratory, or secure facilities
- Ability to access and move through office, engineering, manufacturing, laboratory, and warehouse environments while complying with all company and customer safety requirements
- Ability to maintain sustained concentration and attention to detail while managing multiple projects, deadlines, and regulatory submissions
- Ability to use standard office equipment, including computers, printers, scanners, telecommunication devices, and secure information systems
- Ability to visually inspect and review technical data, engineering drawings, compliance records, access control documentation, and digital systems interfaces
- Ability to work in secure or controlled-access environments requiring adherence to export control, cybersecurity, and government security protocols
- Ability to participate in meetings, audits, training sessions, and cross-functional collaboration activities in both in-person and virtual settings
- Must be capable of meeting all site access, badging, and security requirements associated with government facilities, defense contractors, and controlled technology environments
Benefits Overview:
Heven AeroTech offers a competitive benefits package designed to support the health, financial security, and overall well-being of our employees and their families. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans, paid time off/sick, and additional protections such as critical illness, hospital indemnity, accident coverage, and short- and long-term disability.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Heven AeroTech is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.
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