Trade Compliance Specialist in San Diego, California at Firestorm

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 immediately
• Prepare and track export license applications (e.g., DSP-5, TAA, MLA) through DDTC’s DECCS and Commerce’s SNAP-R systems; maintain a clean status log of all active, pending, and expiring licenses and agreements
• Support classification intake and recordkeeping for items, technical data, and technology under the U.S. Munitions List (USML) and Commerce Control List (CCL)/ECCN framework, routing close-call or ambiguous determinations to outside export counsel for final classification
• 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 counsel
• Help keep training content current as regulations or company practices change, flagging needed updates to outside export counsel
• Maintain training completion records and follow up on gaps to ensure full coverage across the workforce
• Serve 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 security
• Screen and process visitor requests for compliance with ITAR/EAR deemed export restrictions prior to facility access
• Coordinate with the 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 closure
• Maintain Firestorm’s Export Management Compliance Program (EMCP) and ITAR Compliance Program (ICP) documentation, keeping policies and procedures current under guidance from the General Counsel and outside export counsel
• Maintain the recordkeeping systems, trackers, and checklists that keep the program organized and inspection-ready at all times
• Support responses to government inquiries, audits, or compliance reviews by assembling documentation as directed by the General Counsel and outside export counsel
• Flag recurring issues or process gaps to the General Counsel; help implement practical fixes — forms, checklists, or workflow changes — as directed

Cross-Functional Coordination

• Serve as the day-to-day point of contact for routine trade compliance questions from engineering, program, BD, and operations teams
• Coordinate with the COO’s team on operational logistics and with the General Counsel on anything requiring legal interpretation or risk judgment
• Translate guidance from outside export counsel into clear, practical next steps for the teams who need to act on it
• Stay current on regulatory changes and proactively flag relevant updates to the General Counsel and outside export counsel rather than making independent determinations on novel issues

Additional Duties

• Execute the day-to-day operations of a compliance program with discipline and consistency — you will be working inside the established program, not just designing one
• Organize and maintain trackers, logs, and audit-ready documentation
• Operate under the direction of the General Counsel and outside export counsel, escalating judgment calls rather than making independent legal determinations

Required Qualifications

• U.S. Citizenship required due to ITAR regulations & the ability to obtain and maintain a Department of Defense (DoD) security clearance
• 5+ 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 intake
• Working knowledge of the U.S. Munitions List (USML), Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCN), the Commerce Control List (CCL), and deemed export concepts
• Hands-on experience preparing and tracking DDTC license applications (e.g., DSP-5, TAA, MLA) and familiarity with DECCS and/or SNAP-R
• Experience performing restricted/denied party screening and maintaining associated documentation
• Experience delivering compliance training to a non-specialist workforce

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in International Business, International Trade/Affairs, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or a related field.
• Certifications 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 environment
• Familiarity with EMCP/ICP program documentation and internal audit processes
• Experience coordinating with outside counsel on regulatory matters
• Prior experience at a fast-growing or venture-backed company

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 micro-factory — 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. Work Environment

• Based onsite at our San Diego, CA Headquarters
• We welcome candidates who are local or open to relocating; relocation assistance is available and may be included in the offer package where appropriate
• Willingness 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. Compensation

• Base salary: $90,000 - $115,000 base, commensurate with experience
• Equity: 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 plans
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Equity grants for new hires
• Unlimited PTO
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar, including holiday hiatuses in July & December.
• Generous Parental Leave
• Lifestyle Spending Account
• FSA
• DCFSA
• HSA
• Hospital 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 careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.