Trade Compliance Officer

Firestorm is hiring a Trade Compliance Officer to own and lead our trade compliance program. As we move from prototypes to production, and from domestic programs to international partners, co-production, and a deployable manufacturing platform, export controls stop being a back-office function and become part of how we design, sell, build, and ship. You will make sure compliance moves at the speed of the business — and that the business never outruns compliance.

Reporting to the General Counsel, you will be Firestorm’s senior trade compliance authority and the connective tissue between Engineering, Legal, Business Development, and Operations. You will make and document jurisdiction, classification, licensing, and screening determinations; set the compliance requirements for new programs, partnerships, and deals before they are signed; and hold the authority to pause a shipment, a technical data release, or a transaction until it is properly authorized. You will direct outside export counsel on novel or high-risk questions rather than rely on them for day-to-day answers.

This is a builder’s role. The foundations exist; your job is to turn them into an Export Management and Compliance Program that scales — embedded in our engineering tools, our deal process, and our supply chain — and to build the team that runs it as we grow.

We are looking for a seasoned practitioner who pairs deep ITAR/EAR expertise with business judgment: someone who can tell BD how to structure a foreign deal so it is licensable, tell Engineering what a design change does to a classification, and tell leadership plainly where the risk sits and what it will take to manage it.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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 careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.