Export Control Specialist

The Role

This is a foundational, senior-level position. As our Export Control Specialist, you will be responsible for implementing and operationalizing a robust Export Control Compliance Program. You will be the company's subject matter authority on all matters related to defense and dual-use trade regulations, and a trusted advisor to senior leadership, legal, sales, and engineering teams.

This role demands deep regulatory expertise, strong leadership presence, and the entrepreneurial drive to institutionalize a compliance culture in a fast-moving, technology-intensive environment.

Location: Lisbon, Caldas da Rainha or Leiria.

Key Responsibilities

Program Design & Implementation

• Deploy a comprehensive Export Control Compliance Program, including policies, procedures, internal controls, and governance frameworks

• Establish and maintain the company's export control classification system (EAR, ITAR, EU Dual-Use Regulation, military national regimes) for all products, components, software, and technology

• Define and implement license determination processes, screening workflows, and end-use/end-user verification procedures

• Develop and manage a robust recordkeeping system in line with regulatory requirements

Regulatory Compliance & Licensing

• Lead all export license applications with relevant authorities

• Monitor and interpret regulatory developments across multiple jurisdictions (US EAR/ITAR, EU Dual-Use, UN/EU/US sanctions, national defense export laws) and assess their impact on the business

• Oversee the classification of products and technologies under USML, CCL, EU Annex I, and applicable national control lists

• Manage relationships with regulatory authorities, external legal counsel, and government agencies

Internal Advisory & Cross-functional Engagement

• Act as the primary internal expert and advisor on export control matters for engineering, procurement, sales, BD, and program management teams

• Support new product development by providing early-stage export control assessments and by design guidance

• Review and clear contracts, RFPs, and customer agreements for export control implications

• Partner with legal and finance to ensure trade sanctions compliance across all transactions and counterparties

Training, Audit & Continuous Improvement

• Design and deliver tailored export control training programs across all relevant functions and levels of the organization

• Conduct regular internal audits and risk assessments; lead voluntary self-disclosures if required

• Identify compliance gaps and drive corrective action plans to closure

• Report on program maturity, risk exposure, and KPIs to executive leadership

Required Profile

• Experience: 10+ years of hands-on export control experience, with a strong focus on defense and dual-use goods, ideally in aerospace, defense, UAV, or advanced technology sectors

• Regulatory Mastery: Deep, practical expertise in US EAR & ITAR, EU Dual-Use Regulation, and at least one national defense export control framework (Portuguese MoD, French DGA, German BAFA, UK ECJU, or equivalent); familiarity with UN, EU, and OFAC sanctions regimes

• Program Builder: Demonstrated experience designing and implementing export control compliance programs — not just operating within existing ones

• Classification Expertise: Proven track record of classifying complex hardware, software, and technology under USML, CCL, and EU/national control lists

• Licensing Experience: Extensive experience managing license applications and agreements (DSP-5, DSP-83, TAA, MLA, EU general/individual licenses, etc.) with US and/or European authorities

• Leadership & Influence: Ability to drive compliance culture across a technical organization, influence without authority, and engage credibly with C-suite and government stakeholders

• Education: Master's degree in Law, International Relations, Engineering, or a related field; specialized export control certifications are strongly valued

Languages: Fluency in English is mandatory.

What we have to offer you:

• An excellent work environment and an opportunity to make a difference;
• Salary Compatible with the level of proven experience.
• Daily shuttle from Leiria, Caldas da Rainha and Lisbon.