Export Controls Trade Compliance Manager

Description

Title: Export Controls Trade Compliance Manager

Location: Washington D.C.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Covenant is a global defense company headquartered in Washington, D.C., building long-range precision strike weapons for the United States and its allies. Its flagship munition, Anthem, combines heavy payload and long range at a fraction of the cost of comparable legacy systems, with production volumes designed to meet the demands of prolonged conflict. Designed as an end-to-end weapon system that is simple to store, transport, and field, Anthem is produced in the United States, Germany, and Israel. For more information, visit covenant.com

THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced Export Controls & Trade Compliance Manager to support the development of company's global trade compliance program and implement that program in the U.S. in compliance with U.S. export regulations. This individual will serve as the subject matter expert for export controls, licensing, import compliance, and government trade regulations while partnering closely with Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, Legal, Business Development, and Executive Leadership.

This is a highly strategic role responsible for enabling the lawful movement of controlled goods, technologies and services around the world and protecting the company from regulatory risk. You will oversee export licensing, government registrations, compliance reporting, internal audits, and policy development while ensuring adherence to ITAR, EAR and other trade compliance and sanctions-adjacent regimes.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Lead the company's export controls and global trade compliance program supporting U.S. defense and government programs.
• Manage ITAR and EAR compliance across all business functions, ensuring controlled technologies are handled in accordance with U.S. export regulations.
• Prepare, submit, and manage export license applications, Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs), Manufacturing License Agreements (MLAs), and other authorizations.
• Maintain company registrations with the U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) and U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security.
• Ensure timely completion of all government reporting, registration renewals, and compliance filings.
• Advise Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, and Business Development on export classification, licensing requirements, and controlled technical data.
• Work with the broader legal and compliance team to develop and maintain internal export compliance policies, procedures, and employee training programs.
• Conduct internal compliance reviews, spot audits, and risk assessments to ensure adherence to export regulations and corporate policies.
• Support government audits, compliance reviews, and regulatory inquiries.
• Provide guidance on import compliance, customs regulations, tariffs, and cross-border movement of defense articles and technical data.
• Monitor changes to U.S. export laws and trade regulations, proactively implementing process improvements to maintain compliance.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for trade compliance matters across domestic and international operations.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, International Trade, Business, Law, Supply Chain, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience managing export controls and trade compliance within the defense, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries.
• Extensive experience administering ITAR and EAR compliance programs for controlled defense technologies.
• Demonstrated experience preparing and managing export license applications, government registrations, and regulatory filings.
• Strong knowledge of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and U.S. export licensing requirements.
• Experience supporting import compliance, customs regulations, tariffs, and cross-border shipments.
• Experience conducting internal compliance audits and preparing organizations for government audits.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance.
• U.S. Person status required due to export control regulations.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS).
• Strong understanding of anti-bribery, anti-corruption, ethics, and government contracting compliance requirements.
• Experience serving as the lead Export Compliance Officer for a defense prime contractor or high-growth defense technology company.
• Familiarity with Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations.
• Experience supporting international defense programs, Foreign Military Sales (FMS), or Direct Commercial Sales (DCS).
• Knowledge of customs valuation, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification, and global trade operations.
• Professional certifications such as Certified Export Specialist (CES), Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), or equivalent.
• Experience implementing enterprise-wide trade compliance programs within rapidly growing organizations.
• Experience supporting classified government programs and controlled technical data environments.

WHAT MAKES YOU SUCCESSFUL

• You understand that trade compliance is a strategic enabler of the business, balancing operational speed with uncompromising regulatory compliance.
• You build strong partnerships across Engineering, Supply Chain, Contracts, Program Management, and Legal to ensure export requirements are integrated into day-to-day operations.
• You proactively identify compliance risks, implement practical solutions, and create scalable processes that support business growth.
• You communicate complex regulatory requirements in a way that enables informed business decisions while protecting the organization.
• You are passionate about ensuring mission-critical defense technologies are delivered securely, responsibly, and in full compliance with U.S. and international regulations.

Salary

Range: 150,000 - 225,000 plus equity and benefits