Compensation:
- Restricted Share Units (RSUs).
- There is no cash salary.
- Compensation is in the form of restricted share units.
- RSUs vest over time, aligning your interests with the company's future.
- This is an equity-only position; there is no cash salary.
Join Our Mission to Revolutionize Space Logistics!
Explore every ocean in the solar system, collect and store the fluid, and sustain life in space.
At Space Ocean we’re a cutting-edge space startup on a mission to push the boundaries of exploration and innovation to supply resources for humanity’s expansion into space, targeting near-Earth orbit by 2027 and beyond, including Mars.
As we prepare to launch groundbreaking projects, we’re seeking a Export Compliance Consultant to lead technical excellence and drive the development of next-generation for satellite-based fluid transport missions.
Role Overview
As an Export Compliance consultant you will build and oversee the compliance foundation that enables international collaboration while safeguarding adherence to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) programs. You will partner directly with engineers, launch teams, business development, and technical leadership to ensure innovation remains compliant and scalable across international markets. This position reports directly to General Counsel.
Key Responsibilities
Serve as the primary legal advisor on export control and sanctions law, influencing hardware, software, and technical data handling across design, development, and launch operations.
Develop and administer a startup-grade Export Compliance Program, integrating compliance automation tools and digital workflows to support rapid licensing and jurisdiction analysis.
Draft and manage Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs), Commodity Jurisdiction (CJ) requests, and license applications with the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce.
Advise business and engineering teams on technology transfer and international collaboration, including secure methods for cross-border digital communications and cloud-based technical data sharing.
Conduct USML/ECCN jurisdiction and classification assessments for satellites, components, software, and ground segment systems.
Oversee export and sanctions risk assessments for international suppliers, investors, and foreign launch partnerships.
Maintain relationships with DDTC, BIS, and OFAC while coordinating periodic compliance audits and voluntary disclosures when necessary.
Draft contractual language ensuring compliance with export regulations in supplier, customer, and research partnership agreements.
What We're Looking For
J.D. degree from an accredited U.S. law school with active bar membership in good standing.
4+ years of experience in export controls law, preferably in aerospace, defense, or space technology.
Deep working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and OFAC regulations, including recent U.S. export control reform initiatives.
Proven experience handling license submissions or classifications involving small satellite or dual-use technology.
Excellent technical communication skills to advise non-lawyers in engineering, software, and manufacturing.
Ability to thrive in a lean, fast-adapting, early-stage startup environment where regulatory guidance must be both practical and scalable.
Nice-to-Have
Prior experience supporting a commercial spacecraft program, launch provider, or in-space service company.
Familiarity with cloud storage, encryption, or autonomy-related export regulations under the EAR (Category 9 or 5 Part 2).
Experience building compliance automation or audit dashboards using platforms like Ironclad, Power BI, or custom tools.
Security clearance eligibility.
Knowledge of foreign investment and FOCI mitigation principles as applied to early-stage funding rounds.
Why Join Us?
Equity stake in a high-growth startup.
Remote-friendly with flexible hours.
Cutting-edge tech: Work with advanced tools and platforms.
Impact: Directly contribute to missions that redefine space sustainability.
