Director, Trade Compliance

Role Overview

• Own and drive the enterprise trade compliance strategy, ensuring alignment with Blue Origin's evolving business objectives, program portfolio, and international engagement plans
• Serve as primary advisor to senior leadership on trade compliance risk, regulatory trends, and strategic implications of export control requirements on business decisions
• Anticipate and proactively address emerging compliance risks as the company scales — including new programs, international partnerships, supply chain expansion, and workforce growth
• Lead the continuous improvement and maturation of the trade compliance program, establishing and revising as necessary best-in-class policies, procedures, systems, automation and tools, and controls
• Develop and execute the strategy for international market penetration from a trade compliance perspective, ensuring compliant pathways for global partnerships
• Represent Blue Origin externally with regulatory agencies (DDTC, BIS, CBP, OFAC), industry associations, and peer companies on trade compliance matters
• Oversee all aspects of ITAR, EAR, FTR, and OFAC compliance including commodity jurisdiction and classification determinations, license applications and agreements, technology control plans, and deemed export management
• Direct the company's export licensing program, including preparation, submission, and management of licenses and agreements through DECCS, SNAP-R, and related regulatory portals
• Oversee classification and jurisdiction determinations across the U.S. Munitions List (USML) and Commerce Control List (CCL) for Blue Origin's full product and technology portfolio
• Lead internal investigations of potential noncompliance, directing root cause analysis, remedial actions, voluntary disclosures, and corrective measures across the enterprise
• Manage regulatory agency relationships including DDTC, BIS, CBP, OFAC, and other relevant authorities
• Drive the implementation of trade compliance technology platforms and automation tools in partnership with Enterprise Technology, replacing manual processes with scalable systems
• Build and maintain effective partnerships with business unit leaders, engineering leadership, supply chain, HR, Enterprise Technology, Corporate Communications, and Security to embed compliance into business operations
• Collaborate with the Legal & Compliance team to ensure trade compliance is integrated with broader enterprise risk management, ethics, and compliance programs
• Serve as trade compliance authority in proposal, contract, and business development activities, providing guidance on export control implications of new business pursuits and international engagements
• Partner with business development and program leadership to enable international growth opportunities, providing creative, compliant solutions that support Blue Origin's competitive positioning in global markets
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of trade compliance professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous learning
• Set strategic goals for the team that align with organizational objectives and individual professional development aspirations
• Oversee the team in alignment with company objectives, including workforce planning, hiring, and organizational design
• Oversee the enterprise trade compliance training and awareness program, building a culture of compliance at all levels of the organization

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree required; J.D. or advanced degree preferred
• 12+ years of progressive trade compliance experience in the defense, aerospace, satellite, telecoms or similar technology, or space industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing trade compliance teams
• Deep expertise in ITAR, EAR, FTR, OFAC sanctions regulations, and related U.S. export control and trade compliance frameworks
• Demonstrated experience with USML and CCL classification in a space launch, propulsion, spacecraft, or advanced defense systems environment
• Proven track record of leading and resolving complex noncompliance investigations, including voluntary disclosures to DDTC and/or BIS
• Strong proficiency with federal compliance portal systems
• Ability to travel up to 20% of the time, including internationally as necessary

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Short and long-term disability
• 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%
• Education Support Program
• Up to four (4) weeks paid time off per year
• Up to 14 company-paid holidays