What are the responsibilities and job description for the International Trade & Compliance @ Defense Tech Startup position at Whistler Partners?
Overview
Whistler Partners is partnering with one of the leading defense technology startups globally on a first compliance hire in Washington, D.C. The company has raised substantial funding from prominent venture investors and is positioned for significant continued growth. As the business scales, the legal team is looking for an International Trade and Export Compliance Lead to build the trade compliance function from the ground up.
This person will report directly to the GC and play a central role in shaping the company’s ITAR, EAR, and export control strategy.
Why this role?
This is a rare opportunity for a trade compliance professional who wants to build, not inherit, the function.
The right candidate will own the company’s export control framework, develop the internal compliance infrastructure, and work at the center of a fast-growing defense technology business operating in a highly regulated environment. This is a high-impact role for someone who understands controlled technologies, licensing obligations, and the realities of building practical compliance systems inside a scaling company. For someone who wants a true first-in-seat role with direct GC visibility, meaningful business impact, and significant equity upside, this is a standout opportunity.
Key Responsibilities
- Build, roll out, and continuously refine internal trade compliance policies, standards, and operational procedures.
- Develop and maintain the company’s export control framework and Export Management and Compliance Program.
- Ensure compliance with U.S. regulations across the Department of State, Department of Commerce, and Department of Treasury.
- Lead ongoing compliance reviews, monitoring efforts, and internal investigations.
- Identify risk areas and implement corrective actions where needed.
- Assess product and technology classifications under ITAR, EAR, and related export control regimes.
- Determine licensing obligations and prepare export licensing submissions through government systems, including DECCS and SNAP-R.
Top Requirements
- 7 years of professional experience in trade compliance or a closely related field.
- Deep working knowledge of U.S. export control regulations governing controlled technologies and goods.
- Strong familiarity with ITAR, EAR, USML, ECCN, deemed export rules, and the Commerce Control List.
- Direct experience preparing and managing export licensing submissions, including DSP-5s, Technical Assistance Agreements, and Manufacturing License Agreements.
- Comfort operating in ambiguous environments where processes need to be defined, refined, or built from scratch.
- Strong judgment, ownership mindset, and ability to partner with legal and business teams.
- Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance.
Compensation
- $200,000–$250,000 base compensation.
- Generous pre-IPO stock option grants.
Benefits & Perks
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage.
- Life insurance, FSA, HSA, and 401(k) with company match.
- Unlimited PTO.
- Hybrid work schedule.
TL;DR
Leading defense tech platform hiring its first trade compliance lead in Washington, D.C. Build the export compliance function from scratch, report to the GC, own ITAR/EAR strategy, licensing, EMCP, and risk controls, with strong base compensation and meaningful pre-IPO equity.
About Whistler Partners
Matchmakers, Not Headhunters
Whistler Partners is a boutique matchmaking firm focused on counseling the best and the brightest attorneys over the course of their careers. We believe that the right move comes from working closely with talent to curate their long-term career paths. When it comes to career advice, what matters is not the size of the agency but the strength of your individual recruiter.
We readily admit that we are elite and only work with the best – after all, a little elitism is okay when it comes to your career. Employers love us because we are picky about whom we represent, and attorneys love us because we get them their dream jobs.
Interested?
This search is being led by Allison Hill at Whistler Partners. Please contact them for a confidential conversation.
Salary : $200,000 - $250,000