Export Controls Officer

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status, or a person approved for an export license from the governing agency required.

About the role

The Export Controls Officer (ECO) will serve as a subject matter expert on export classification for assigned business units, leading cross-functional efforts to design for exportability and maintain export classification records. Reporting to the Export Controls Manager, the ECO will support production, engineering, marketing, sales, shipping, and program management to develop products for markets and ensure timely delivery. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in export controls and military equipment/technology, with the ability to independently classify products, review technical documents, and collaborate with engineers from day one.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional teams for the Technical Focal Point Program (TFPP).
• Handle classification-related requests, including jurisdiction determinations (CJ), commodity classification determinations (CCATS), and advisory opinions (AO).
• Conduct monthly status meetings with product line Technical Focal Points (TFP) to support classification efforts.
• Provide expert guidance to TFPs on regulations and AeroVironment’s classification processes.
• Maintain and audit databases and sources for export control information used across AeroVironment.
• Develop and maintain subject matter expertise in ITAR and EAR regulations.
• Coordinate with Chief Engineers and senior product leaders to identify program improvements and enhance export control efficiency.
• Attend engineering meetings to identify potential controls early in the design phase and suggest design modifications to reduce export restrictions.
• Support Business Development and Program Management as the technical expert for export controls in planning and licensing.
• Perform classification (ECCN, USML Category, HTS, Schedule B) across all business phases: Research and Development, Engineering, Production, and Export.
• Collaborate with external Trade Compliance consultants and legal counsel as directed by Trade Compliance Leadership.
• Maintain excellent Trade Compliance records in full compliance with U.S. Government Export Regulations.
• Identify improvement opportunities, provide guidance to senior management, implement approved solutions, and report progress.
• Act independently to determine methods and procedures for new or special assignments; may supervise team activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, International Trade, Law, Science, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 7+ years of combined experience in export controls and/or a technical field such as engineering, military intelligence, or capabilities/performance analysis (preferably in aerospace, defense contracting, or military).
• Expert knowledge of International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and applicable international regulations, with the ability to interpret and communicate compliance-related language.
• Expert knowledge of the Commerce Control List (CCL) and U.S. Munitions List (USML).
• Education and/or experience demonstrating technical expertise in a variety of complex commodities and technologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience writing and implementing trade compliance policies, Technical Assistance Agreements, Warehouse Distribution Agreements, or Manufacturing License Agreements.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with small teams handling diverse duties.
• Strong initiative, drive, and commitment to achieving goals and company objectives.
• Ownership of work products and commitment to learning from mistakes to improve performance.
• Effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, with a focus on teamwork and collaboration.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in an office/remote environment (constant).
• Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands/fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (frequent).

Pay

The salary range for this role is $139,000 - $212,000. AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including location, role, responsibilities, work experience, education/training, and key skills.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401K with company matching.
• 9/80 work schedule.
• Paid holiday shutdown.

About the company

AeroVironment (AV) is a premier autonomous systems company delivering breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. Founded by innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of unmanned systems, with seven platforms in the Smithsonian. The company specializes in AI-powered drones, loitering munitions, integrated autonomy, and space resilience, shaping the future of warfare and protecting those who serve. AV values curiosity, relentlessness, and mission obsession, offering a dynamic environment for those ready to build technology that matters.