Legal General Counsel

Description

 Industry: Photonics, Precision Optics, Optical Components, Defense / Aerospace Manufacturing
Reports to: General Counsel, CFO, COO, or VP of Quality / Compliance 

 We are seeking an Legal General Counsel to lead our export compliance program for a growing photonics and precision optics manufacturing business. This role will be responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. export control laws, including the Export Administration Regulations — EAR — and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations — ITAR.

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience with export classification, ECCNs, ITAR jurisdiction, technical data controls, restricted-party screening, export licensing, employee training, and internal audits. Experience in photonics, optics, lasers, aerospace, defense, space, semiconductor, or precision manufacturing is strongly preferred.

This position will work closely with engineering, sales, quality, operations, supply chain, shipping, IT, and executive leadership to ensure that products, technical data, customer programs, and international transactions are properly reviewed and controlled.

Key responsibilities include:

Managing the company’s EAR and ITAR compliance program.

Classifying products, technical data, software, and technology.

Supporting license applications, commodity classifications, and jurisdiction reviews.

Maintaining a Technology Control Plan.

Managing restricted-party, end-use, and customer screening.

Reviewing export shipments and technical data releases.

Training employees on export compliance responsibilities.

Conducting internal audits and corrective actions.

Supporting investigations and voluntary disclosures when needed.

Partnering with leadership to reduce compliance risk while supporting business growth.

Requirements

Key Competencies

Practical business judgment.

Strong ethical standards.

Technical curiosity.

Ability to work with engineers and production teams.

High attention to detail.

Ability to say “no” or “not yet” when shipment or technical release risk is unresolved.

Comfort working in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Strong written documentation skills.

Ability to balance compliance risk with commercial urgency.

Strong training and communication skills.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, law, international trade, supply chain, or related field.

2+ years of experience in export compliance, trade compliance, defense compliance, aerospace compliance, or a related regulated manufacturing environment.

Hands-on experience with EAR and ITAR compliance.

Experience with export classification, ECCNs, license determinations, restricted-party screening, and export documentation.

Strong understanding of controlled technical data and technology control requirements.