Senior Trade Compliance Administrator

Job Description

Job Description

About Electra

At Electra, we're building the EL9 — a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology unlocks thousands of new operating locations and enables what we call Direct Aviation: quiet, point-to-point regional travel that gets people from where they are to where they want to go, without the congestion of major airports or the noise of conventional aviation.

A global company, headquartered in Manassas, VA, Electra is backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, and Safran, has filed for FAA Part 23 type certification, and carries 2,000+ intent to purchase from operators worldwide. We're a team of ~100 people moving fast toward first EL9 test flights in 2027 and certification by late 2029 or 2030. Every hire matters at this stage — and this role is no exception.

The Role

As our Senior Trade Compliance Administrator, you'll own the administration and execution of Electra's trade compliance program - spanning export control under ITAR and EAR, OFAC obligations, and import compliance as we scale our supply chain and manufacturing operations. You'll be the subject matter expert embedded across engineering, program management, HR, and supply chain, ensuring that compliance is built into how we operate, not bolted on after the fact.

This is a high-ownership role at a company where trade compliance isn't a back-office function - it's foundational to our ability to operate, partner internationally, and protect the technology we're building. You'll work directly with senior leadership and interface regularly with external counsel and government agencies.

What You'll Do

Export Regulatory Compliance

• Administer Electra's compliance programs under ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and other applicable export regulations
• Classify products, technical data, and services under U.S. export control laws and maintain current awareness of regulatory changes
• Implement regulatory updates across the organization as they occur

Licensing & Documentation

• Prepare, submit, and track export license applications and agreements, including DSPs, TAAs, and MLAs
• Maintain audit-ready records of licenses, classifications, and supporting documentation in alignment with recordkeeping requirements

Transaction Screening & Risk Assessment

• Conduct restricted party screenings (RPS) and embargo checks for customers, vendors, and partners
• Review transactions and activities for export control risks; escalate issues appropriately
• Support due diligence efforts for international engagements

Import Compliance

• Support HTS classification and customs documentation for inbound materials and components
• Coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to ensure compliant import transactions
• Assist in identifying import duty and tariff implications as supply chain volume grows

Cross-Functional Program Support

• Partner with engineering, program management, HR, and supply chain to embed compliance into business operations
• Advise on export-controlled data handling, including access controls and technology transfers
• Review contracts and statements of work for trade compliance implications

Training & Awareness

• Develop and deliver export and import compliance training for employees across functions and programs
• Promote awareness of trade compliance obligations at all levels of the organization

Audit & Monitoring

• Lead internal audits, assessments, and government inquiries
• Identify compliance gaps, drive corrective action plans, and track key compliance metrics

What You Bring

• 8+ years of professional experience, including 2–3+ years focused on export compliance, trade compliance, or regulatory operations; defense or aerospace industry experience required
• Deep working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and related U.S. export control regulations
• Hands-on experience preparing and managing DSPs, TAAs, and MLAs
• Familiarity with export compliance systems such as OCR EASE, SAP GTS, or similar tools
• Experience supporting government contracts or working in a controlled or classified environment
• Familiarity with commodity jurisdiction (CJ) requests and ECCN/USML classification processes
• Prior experience managing audits or regulatory inspections
• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Legal Studies, or a related field; or equivalent experience
• US Person (Citizen or Permanent Resident) required

Bonus Points

• Experience with import compliance, HTS classification, or customs broker management
• Professional certification such as Certified Export Specialist (CES) or equivalent
• Experience with USML-covered programs or dual-use technology environments
• Prior experience at a startup or early-stage aerospace or defense company

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range

$125,000—$155,000 USD

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and equity
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
• Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
• Paid winter break
• 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
• Free on-site parking

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.