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Senior Trade Compliance Specialist- Authorizations (R4873)

Washington, DC
Full Time On-site

Summary

Job Description

The Shield AI Trade Compliance team plays a critical role in enabling global operations while ensuring strict adherence to U.S. export and import regulations. We partner closely with Sales, Program Management, and Engineering to support the compliant movement of ITAR- and EAR-controlled goods and technologies in support of Shield AI’s mission.

Role Overview

Shield AI is seeking a proactive and detail-oriented Compliance Specialist – Authorizations to support export licensing and regulatory compliance efforts. This role requires strong knowledge of ITAR and EAR frameworks, along with the ability to operate independently, collaborate cross-functionally, and balance compliance requirements with business objectives.

What you'll do:

    • Manage export authorizations, including preparation, submission, and tracking of license applications
    • Interface with U.S. regulatory agencies (e.g., DDTC, BIS) as needed to support licensing activities
    • Provide guidance on ITAR and EAR requirements to internal stakeholders across Engineering, Program Management, and Operations
    • Support jurisdiction and classification determinations for products, software, and technology
    • Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure compliance is integrated into business processes and program execution
    • Maintain accurate records in compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies
    • Utilize trade compliance systems (e.g., DECCS, SNAP-R) to manage licensing workflows
    •  

Required qualifications:

    • Bachelor’s degree and 5+ years of relevant experience, or an advanced degree with 2+ years of experience
    • Experience with U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and/or International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
    • Hands-on experience managing export authorizations and regulatory interactions
    • Familiarity with trade compliance tools and systems, including DECCS and SNAP-R
    • Strong understanding of export licensing workflows, classification, and jurisdiction determinations
    • Experience collaborating with and influencing cross-functional stakeholders

Preferred qualifications:

    • Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
    • Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
    • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know. 

About Shield AI

Shield AI

Shield AI is a defense technology company building autonomous AI systems for aircraft, drones, and intelligent mission software used in complex military environments. Founded in 2015, the company is best known for developing Hivemind, an AI pilot system that enables aircraft and drones to operate autonomously in contested and GPS-denied environments, supporting U.S. and allied defense missions.

For job seekers, Shield AI offers opportunities across advanced fields including artificial intelligence, robotics, software engineering, autonomy systems, aerospace engineering, embedded systems, and mission operations. The company is especially attractive to engineers, AI researchers, and defense professionals who want to work on real-world autonomous systems that are actively being deployed in operational military scenarios.

Unlike traditional defense contractors, Shield AI operates with a startup-style engineering culture focused on rapid experimentation, real-world testing, and fast deployment of autonomous capabilities. Employees work on tightly integrated AI and robotics systems that combine perception, decision-making, and control, enabling platforms to operate without direct human input in highly complex environments.

As modern warfare increasingly shifts toward autonomous systems, distributed sensing, and AI-enabled decision-making, Shield AI continues to grow as one of the most prominent companies in next-generation defense technology. For professionals seeking to build cutting-edge autonomy systems with direct mission impact, Shield AI stands out as a leading employer in the defense innovation ecosystem.

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