Trade Compliance Manager

Job description

ABOUT FIREFLY AEROSPACE Firefly Aerospace is a space and defense technology company that enables our world to launch, land, and operate in space – anywhere, anytime. As the partner of choice for critical space missions, Firefly is the only commercial company to launch a satellite to orbit with 24-hour notice and the only company to achieve a successful Moon landing. Our launch vehicles, lunar landers, and orbital vehicles provide government and commercial customers with full mission services from low Earth orbit to the Moon and beyond. Headquartered in north Austin, Texas, Firefly is looking for passionate, hardworking innovators to join our team and help fuel our successful trajectory into space. SUMMARY The Firefly Global Trade Compliance team is looking for a trade compliance professional to assist with Firefly's mission to launch, land, and operate space systems from Earth to the Moon and beyond! As Trade Compliance Manager, you'll be the operational engine driving export authorizations, classifications, strategic due diligence, and compliance process improvements. You will navigate global export control, sanctions and import regulations to keep pace with rapid innovations. You will build responsive, scalable compliance processes to directly impact mission success. You will also partner with engineering, legal, security and supply chain teams to ensure compliance with applicable trade regulations while also enabling critical Firefly business initiatives in the United States and abroad. This role requires a self-driven trade professional who has previously demonstrated success in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. While this role will initially focus on export control matters, it is anticipated that it will also present opportunities to work on international customs matters. RESPONSIBILITIES Drive the development and implementation of Firefly’s export compliance program, encompassing U.S. (EAR/ITAR/Sanctions/Customs) and global trade regulations across multiple countries and jurisdictions. Participate in export compliance due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships, including sanctions screening, ITAR registration reviews, and integration planning to ensure trade compliance risks are identified and mitigated. Conduct foreign national reviews and make export license determinations, including deemed export assessments, to support hiring, contractor engagement, and collaboration with international suppliers and customers. Provide expert guidance on EAR, ITAR and sanctions requirements . Partner with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, legal, tax, HR, and IT teams to develop scalable compliance solutions that support rapid innovation. Participate in continuous process improvement initiatives to simplify and strengthen the export compliance program while balancing business objectives with regulatory requirements. Take ownership of ambiguous, cross-functional challenges where the path forward is unclear - define the problem, develop the approach, and drive to resolution with minimal direction. QUALIFICATIONS Required A minimum of 5 years of experience in export compliance within aerospace, defense, satellite, or related regulated industry with focus on operational execution. Deep knowledge and proven track record with ITAR and EAR regulations including hands-on experience with USML/CCL classifications and export licensing. Demonstrated experience managing Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs) or similar export authorizations—including drafting agreements, amendments, and ensuring ongoing compliance with provisos. Experience with foreign national compliance including deemed export determinations, Technology Control Plans, or foreign visitor reviews. Strong stakeholder management skills with ability to influence cross-functional teams. Excellent written communication skills for regulatory submissions, compliance documentation, and internal and external correspondence. Proven track record of handling ambiguous challenges through strong problem-solving abilities. Experience in ownership of projects, communicating timelines, and executing independently across multiple workstreams. Proficiency with compliance tools and systems (DECCS, SNAP-R, Visual Compliance, ACE, or similar systems). Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. MS Office (including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook). Ability to travel as required (5-10% domestic). Desired Experience in commercial space industry (launch vehicles, satellites, lunar landers, spacecraft) or working with space-related export control issues. Active SECRET or TOP SECRET security clearance (or ability to obtain). Experience supporting international operations including launch site compliance, foreign manufacturing, or multi-country regulatory frameworks. Familiarity with ERP/MRP systems. Experience working in high-growth, fast-paced environments where processes are being built in real-time. Demonstrated ability to identify and drive strategic compliance initiatives that improve program maturity and reduce risk. Experience with compliance automation tools, workflow systems, or building scalable compliance processes. Prior experience as an OEM, Supplier, Contractor, or Sub-contractor in the aerospace industry. Firefly offers outstanding benefits for our employees, including generous health, dental and vision plans with low plan deductibles, parental leave, relocation benefits, educational reimbursement, short term disability, and flexible PTO options. To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) 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 eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Firefly Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Firefly is governed based on merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.