Senior Trade Compliance Expert, Export Control (m/f/d)

About the Role

• At ARX Robotics, we build autonomous and software-defined ground systems that strengthen European defense and protect the people on the ground. Operating at the intersection of advanced robotics and international security means
  our technology moves through a tightly regulated global market. As our Senior Trade Compliance Expert and designated Export Control Officer (Exportkontrollbeauftragte:r), you will make sure our systems reach our international partners reliably, responsibly, and in full compliance with national and international trade laws.
• Reporting to the Head of Legal & Export Controls with direct access to our executive team, you will serve as the central authority on export control at ARX. You will own trade compliance from strategy to daily execution, covering export
  controls, licensing, sanctions, customs, and our Internal Compliance Program (ICP). Collaborating closely with engineering, sales, procurement, and logistics, you will turn complex regulations into clear, scalable processes that enable our business to move fast and safely.

What You’ll Build

• Lead the Trade Compliance Function: Act as ARX's designated Export Control Officer (Exportkontrollbeauftragte:r), owning our compliance strategy and escalating critical export control matters directly to executive management.
• Shape Our Internal Compliance Program (ICP): Design, implement, and evolve our ICP, establishing clear policies, controls, and escalation paths that meet BAFA requirements and stand up to any audit.
• Drive End-to-End Licensing: Manage export and transfer licenses across German, EU, and applicable U.S. regulations, from preparing BAFA applications to tracking permit conditions and reporting obligations.
• Own Shipment Clearances and Screening: Hold the final compliance release before any hardware, software, or technology leaves ARX, while overseeing sanctions, embargo, and restricted-party screening and ensuring a smooth handover to Outbound Logistics.
• Establish the Customs Framework: Define the standards for tariff classification, origin, and documentation that guide our operational customs and logistics teams.
• Classify Complex Technology: Lead the classification of hardware, software, and technology under the German Export List (Ausfuhrliste Teil I A/B), the EU Dual-Use Regulation, and relevant U.S. regimes, maintaining accurate and auditable records.
• Navigate Defense-Specific Regulations: Assess and manage requirements under the War Weapons Control Act (KrWaffKontrG), technology transfers, end-use documentation, and international import certificates.
• Conduct Audits and Represent ARX: Plan and run internal risk assessments and audits, acting as the primary point of contact for government authorities, external auditors, and advisors.
• Advise and Educate Across Teams: Partner with leadership and project teams on the compliance impact of new products, markets, and bids, while building company-wide awareness through practical training and keeping our processes ahead of geopolitical and regulatory shifts.

What You Bring

• Relevant Academic or Regulatory Foundation: A background in law, legal and regulatory compliance, international trade, customs, international relations, or a comparable regulated field.
• Deep Defense and Trade Compliance Experience: 6+ years of hands-on experience in export control or trade compliance, with substantial exposure to the defense sector, including war weapons, armaments, and dual-use goods.
• Recognized Qualification: Formal qualification to act as an Export Control Officer (such as a recognized export control certification), ideally complemented by additional certifications in customs or sanctions.
• Regulatory and Licensing Mastery: Proven autonomy in managing complex BAFA license applications and deep knowledge of German foreign trade law (AWG/AWV), the War Weapons Control Act (KrWaffKontrG), the EU Dual-Use Regulation, and EU sanctions law.
• Familiarity with U.S. (re-)export controls (ITAR/EAR), international government-to-government (G2G) or NATO programs, and Ukraine-related export topics is a strong plus.
• ICP and Audit Leadership: Practical experience building or managing an Internal Compliance Program, running audits, and working constructively with regulatory authorities.
• Technical Curiosity: A strong grasp of complex technical products, preferably from a fast-paced software, robotics, or deep-tech environment, and the ability to map them accurately to regulatory frameworks.
• Pragmatic Communication and Conviction: The ability to translate dense legal texts into clear, actionable guidance for engineers and commercial teams, paired with the confidence to represent your position to management, authorities, and partners.
• Independent Judgment and Discretion: A structured, self-directed working style grounded in sound judgment and the highest standards of confidentiality.
• Bilingual Fluency and Clearance: Excellent written and spoken communication skills in both German and English, along with the eligibility to obtain and maintain the security clearance required for the defense sector.

Please note: You do not need to meet every single requirement to apply. We welcome motivated candidates who are eager to grow into the role and develop their expertise further

What We Offer

Join a mission-driven European defense tech company at a pivotal stage of growth, where you can help shape meaningful technology, take ownership early, and grow with the business!

• Competitive compensation package including a bonus opportunity
• 27 vacation days to start, increasing with tenure up to 30 days
• Employer-supported pension contribution
• Learning & development support and team events budget
• Employee discounts and flexible benefits budget via Probonio
• Hybrid working setup depending on role and team needs
• Structured salary bands, levelling framework, and bi-annual development conversations
• Referral bonus program, dog-friendly office, and relocation support where applicable