The future of aerospace and defense starts here.

Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands.

The Senior Manager, Global Trade Compliance will be responsible for establishing, leading, and governing the company’s export compliance program, ensuring adherence to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), U.S. government information security requirements for Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and related U.S. government trade compliance requirements. This role will define scalable compliance frameworks that enable the company’s growth within the aerospace and defense sector while safeguarding controlled technical data, hardware, and international business activities. Acting as the organization’s primary authority on export compliance regulations and processes, this leader will drive policy development, risk management strategy, and operational execution across the enterprise.

This role will partner closely with Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Legal, HR, Cyber Security, Executive Leadership, and the Facility Security Officer (FSO) to embed information security and export control requirements into core business processes. This position serves as a strategic advisor to leadership, balancing regulatory compliance with program execution, supporting federal contracting initiatives, and enabling compliant global collaboration while protecting sensitive technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Own and lead the company’s export compliance program, ensuring full compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and related U.S. government trade requirements
Serve as the primary export compliance authority and advisor to executive leadership, engineering, operations, and program teams on regulatory risk, licensing strategy, and compliant business execution
Develop, implement, and continuously improve policies, procedures, and internal controls governing export classifications, technical data handling, foreign national access, and international business activities
Ensures compliance with all registration, filing, reporting, and retention requirements (DD2345, 22 CFR 130, 22 CFR 123.22)
Establish and oversee processes for USML and ECCN classification determinations, commodity jurisdiction analyses, and technology control planning
Prepare, review, and manage export license applications, agreements, and regulatory correspondence with DDTC, BIS, and other U.S. government agencies
Implement and oversee denied party screening, international partner due diligence, and supplier export risk assessments
Provide strategic guidance to leadership on export-related risk mitigation strategies essential to international growth initiatives and international program pursuits
Maintain export compliance records and documentation in accordance with regulatory retention requirements and industry best practices
Coordinate with Chief Engineers and program IPT leads regarding technical details of Ursa Major activities to ensure proper technical classification
Partner closely with the Facility Security Officer (FSO), Chief Engineers, Legal, HR, Procurement, and IT to align export compliance requirements with classified programs, CUI safeguards, and facility security protocols
Interface with sub-contractors, suppliers, and customers on compliance requirements to manage risks as the company expands production
Collaborate with IT and Security to ensure technical data controls meet CMMC 2.0 and NIST 800-171 standards
Lead internal audits, risk assessments, and self-inspection activities to ensure sustained regulatory compliance and readiness for government oversight
Lead internal investigations into potential non-compliance and oversee the preparation of Voluntary Self-Disclosures (VSDs) to DDTC or BIS when necessary
Design and deliver scalable export compliance training programs that build awareness and accountability across the organization
Develops an efficient, scalable compliance organization as the company grows, including mentorship of future compliance staff

Required Qualifications

U.S. citizenship and an active SECRET security clearance (TS/SCI eligibility preferred)
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, International Trade, Legal Studies, or related discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
10+ years of experience in export compliance, trade compliance, or regulatory compliance within aerospace, defense, manufacturing, or a similarly regulated environment
Knowledge of the United States Munitions List (USML, 22 CFR 121) and the Commerce Control List categories (specific knowledge of USML categories IV, V, and XV and CCL category 9 desirable)
Deep working knowledge of ITAR (22 CFR Parts 120–130 except for Part 121) and EAR (15 CFR Parts 730–774), including export classifications, licensing strategies, waivers, exemptions, and technology transfer controls
Demonstrated experience leading or building export compliance programs and governance frameworks
Proven ability to influence senior leadership and collaborate cross-functionally across engineering, operations, supply chain, and security teams
Strong analytical, communication, and policy development skills
Strong leadership presence with the ability to operate both strategically and tactically in a fast-paced environment

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting a cleared defense contractor environment and partnering closely with a Facility Security Officer (FSO)
Experience establishing and maintaining an ITAR/export compliance program that adheres to DDTC compliance program guidelines and that addresses the DDTC ITAR Risk Matrix
Familiarity with NISPOM and federal contracting environments
Certified Export Compliance Officer (CECO), Certified Global Business Professional (CGBP), or similar trade compliance certification
Prior experience scaling compliance programs in a high-growth aerospace and defense organization
Experience implementing export compliance software, denied party screening tools, or automated licensing workflows
Proven track record of implementing compliance by design and integrating controls into PLM, ERP, or CRM systems to minimize friction in the engineering and sales lifecycles

Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $145,000 - $185,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. What we can’t quantify for you are the exciting challenges, supportive team, and amazing culture we enjoy. Click here for more information about our awesome benefits.

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Benefits Include: (Please note, Interns are not eligible for benefits)

Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement
Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA)
Employer Paid Short and Long Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D
Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport
EAP Program
Retirement Savings Plan - 401k with Company Match
Equity Grants in the Company

How To Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply by filling out the application below and clicking "Submit Application". This position will be posted for a minimum of 3 days and will remain open until filled or adjusted based on the volume of applicants.

NOTE: Research suggests that women and BIPOC individuals may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage anyone who believes they have the skills and the drive necessary to succeed here to apply for this role.

US CITIZENSHIP, PERMANENT RESIDENCY, REFUGEE OR ASYLUM STATUS IS REQUIRED.

Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

We’re an equal-opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

No outside recruiters, please.

Ursa Major

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Senior Manager, Global Trade Compliance