Trade Compliance Specialist

Firestorm is hiring a Trade Compliance Specialist to execute the day-to-day mechanics of our trade compliance program. You will be in a high-autonomy, execution-focused individual contributor role responsible for screening, licensing administration, classification intake, training delivery, audits, and recordkeeping — with the discipline required in a heavily regulated, ITAR/EAR environment. This is not a strategy or program-design role. You will report directly to the General Counsel, ensuring tight coordination on regulatory and licensing matters, and you will work closely with outside export compliance legal counsel, who will provide ITAR/EAR legal interpretation and guidance on complex classification, licensing, and enforcement questions. Your job is to take that guidance and execute it so Firestorm remains fully compliant, which will include keeping records audit-ready, keeping employees trained, and making sure nothing falls through the cracks. You will work closely with the COO, engineering, and program teams to ensure trade compliance tasks are handled accurately and on time — not buried in a policy binder nobody opens. We are looking for someone who can move fast, stay organized under regulatory pressure, and execute compliance tasks with rigor and consistency. You are an operator first — someone who keeps the day-to-day running smoothly, escalates legal judgment calls to the General Counsel and outside export counsel, and makes sure the basics never slip. What You’ll Do Screening, Licensing & Classification Perform and maintain records for restricted/denied party screening across customers, partners, vendors, and visitors, escalating any potential matches to the General Counsel and outside export counsel immediatelyPrepare and track export related submissions (e.g., DSP-5/748P, TAA/MLA, CJ/C-CATS, etc.) through DDTC’s DECCS and Commerce’s SNAP-R systems; maintain a clean status log of all active, pending, and expiring licenses and agreementsManage the classification process for items, technical data, software and technology under the U.S. Munitions List (USML) and Commerce Control List (CCL)/ECCN framework, including coordinating with engineering to obtain technical information, maintaining configuration-specific classification records, routing close-call or ambiguous determinations to outside export counsel for classificationAdminister use of EAR license exceptions and ITAR exemptions, including required eligibility reviews, certifications, notices, acknowledgments and recordkeeping, under guidance from the General Counsel and outside export counsel. Maintain organized, audit-ready documentation for all licenses, classifications, screenings, and authorizations Track license conditions, provisos, and reporting obligations to ensure ongoing compliance after a license is granted Training & Awareness Deliver Firestorm’s export control and trade compliance training to employees, contractors, and relevant third parties using materials provided by the General Counsel and outside export counselHelp keep training content current as regulations or company practices change, flagging needed updates to outside export counselMaintain training completion records and follow up on gaps to ensure full coverage across the workforceServe as the first point of contact for employee questions on export control basics, escalating anything beyond routine guidance to the General Counsel. Visitor & Foreign Person Access Control Maintain visitor and foreign person access control logs in coordination with facilities and securityScreen and process visitor requests for compliance with ITAR/EAR deemed export restrictions prior to facility accessCoordinate with the Information System Security Officer (ISSO), IT, and program teams to ensure access controls for controlled information and restricted areas are properly documented and enforced Audits, Recordkeeping & Program Administration Conduct internal audits and self-assessments of the trade compliance program on a regular schedule; document findings and track corrective actions to closureMaintain Firestorm’s Export Management Compliance Program (EMCP) documentation, keeping policies and procedures current under guidance from the General Counsel and outside export counselMaintain the recordkeeping systems, trackers, and checklists that keep the program organized and inspection-ready at all timesSupport responses to government inquiries, audits, or compliance reviews by assembling documentation as directed by the General Counsel and outside export counselFlag recurring issues or process gaps to the General Counsel; help implement practical fixes — forms, checklists, or workflow changes — as directedCoordinate with engineering, IT and security to identify and appropriately mark/segregate ITAR technical data and EAR-controlled technology, and maintain access-control matrices consistent with applicable licenses, license exceptions, exemptions and provisos Cross-Functional Coordination Work with engineering and product teams to identify design, performance, payload, software, end-use, and configuration changes that may affect existing jurisdiction or classification determinations, and ensure classifications are reviewed and updated before affected products or technical data are exportedServe as the day-to-day point of contact for routine trade compliance questions from engineering, program, BD, and operations teamsCoordinate with the COO’s team on operational logistics and with the General Counsel on anything requiring legal interpretation or risk judgmentTranslate guidance from outside export counsel into clear, practical next steps for the teams who need to act on itStay current on regulatory changes and proactively flag relevant updates to the General Counsel and outside export counsel Coordinate export-control review of foreign customer demonstrations, technical diligence, facility visits and exchanges of drawings, CAD files, specifications and other technical information before release. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, International Business, Finance/Economics, Legal Studies or a related field. U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations, with the ability to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance5+ years of hands-on experience executing tasks within U.S. export/import compliance programs (ITAR/EAR), with direct, practical experience in screening, licensing administration, and classification intakeWorking knowledge of the U.S. Munitions List (USML), Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN), the Commerce Control List (CCL), and deemed export conceptsHands-on experience preparing and tracking DDTC license applications (e.g., DSP-5, TAA, MLA) and familiarity with DECCS and SNAP-RExperience performing restricted/denied party screening and maintaining associated documentationDemonstrated ability to operate and continuously improve a trade compliance program in a fast-moving engineering or manufacturing environment. Comfortable operating under the direction of the General Counsel and outside export counsel, escalating judgment calls rather than making independent legal determinationsExperience delivering compliance training to a non-specialist workforceStrong organizational skills and meticulous recordkeeping habits; comfortable maintaining trackers, logs, and audit-ready documentationPreferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, International Trade, Finance, or a related fieldCertifications such as Certified Export Compliance Professional (CECP) or Licensed Customs Broker (LCB)Experience supporting U.S. and international sanctions compliance (e.g., OFAC, UN)Experience working in a defense contractor or ITAR-regulated manufacturing environmentFamiliarity with EMCP/ICP program documentation and internal audit processesExperience coordinating with outside counsel on regulatory mattersPrior experience at a fast-growing or venture-backed company Work Environment Based onsite at our San Diego, CA HeadquartersWe welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriateWillingness 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. 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. CompensationBase salary: $95,000 - $110,000 base, commensurate with experienceEquity: 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 plans401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goalsEquity grants for new hiresUnlimited PTOExtremely generous company holiday calendar, including holiday hiatuses in July & December.Generous Parental Leave Lifestyle Spending AccountFSA DCFSAHSAHospital 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 hidden]> so we can provide the support you need.