About Us:
We are a rapidly growing, US-based space startup revolutionizing satellite imaging using advanced in-orbit capabilities. Specifically, our expertise lies in leveraging in-space assets for Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and Non-Earth Imaging (NEI). As an international company, we navigate a unique landscape while delivering critical services to our clients. Having recently secured several significant contracts, we are expanding our team to meet the exciting demands of our growth.
To support this next phase, we’re building a high-performing, interdisciplinary team capable of pushing the boundaries of space technology. We’re looking for talented, passionate people who value collaboration, growth, and learning to join us.
HEO is a post-Series A company backed by high-profile venture funds including Airtree, Y Combinator, and In-Q-Tel. We are headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with offices in London, UK, and Washington, D.C., USA.
The Opportunity:
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Mid-Level Compliance & Business Operations Specialist to join our dynamic team. This pivotal role will be instrumental in ensuring our continued compliance with complex domestic and international regulations, while also contributing to the operational efficiency and strategic growth of our company. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, startup environment, possessing a strong understanding of the aerospace and defense regulatory landscape, particularly within the context of commercial space operations and government contracting.
Key Responsibilities:
- ITAR Compliance: Lead and manage all aspects of ITAR compliance, including import/export licensing, classification, record-keeping, training, and internal audits for ITAR-restricted hardware.
- NOAA Licensing & Reporting: Oversee compliance with NOAA commercial remote sensing system licenses, including ongoing reporting, data sharing agreements, and any future licensing requirements.
- Export Control (EAR): Manage compliance with Export Administration Regulations (EAR) as they pertain to our technologies and operations.
- Government Contracting Compliance: Ensure adherence to all relevant federal acquisition regulations (FAR, DFARS), contract clauses, and agency-specific requirements for government contracts.
- International Trade Compliance: Collaborate with our Australian parent company on international trade compliance matters, ensuring seamless cross-border operations.
- Policy & Procedure Development: Develop, implement, and maintain robust regulatory compliance policies, procedures, and training programs across the organization.
- Risk Management: Identify, assess, and mitigate regulatory risks, providing proactive guidance to leadership.
- Operational Support: Contribute to broader operational aspects of the business, including but not limited to:
- Assisting with contract review and negotiation from a compliance perspective.
- Supporting program management office activities as needed.
- Aiding in the development of proposals and grant applications.
- Streamlining internal processes to enhance efficiency and scalability.
- Liaison: Act as a primary point of contact for regulatory agencies, legal counsel, and internal stakeholders on compliance matters.
- Continuous Learning: Stay abreast of evolving regulations, industry best practices, and geopolitical developments impacting the space and defense sectors.
Qualifications:
NOTE: If you don’t hit all the quals, read on to the next section. We value team fit over checking all the qual boxes.
- Experience: 5-10 years of progressive experience in regulatory compliance, export control, and/or government contracting within the aerospace, defense, or commercial space industry.
- ITAR Expertise: Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with ITAR regulations, including licensing (DSP-5, DSP-61, DSP-73, etc.), classification (USML), and compliance program management.
- NOAA Understanding: Familiarity with NOAA commercial remote sensing regulations and licensing processes is highly desirable.
- Government Contracts: Understanding of federal government contracting processes, FAR/DFARS clauses, and compliance requirements for prime and subcontractors.
- Legal Acumen: Ability to interpret complex legal and regulatory documents, translate them into actionable business practices, and provide clear guidance to non-legal personnel.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex regulatory concepts clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
- Problem-Solving: Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Initiative & Adaptability: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, take initiative, and adapt quickly to changing priorities inherent in a startup environment.
- Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as International Relations, Business Administration, Law, Engineering, or a related discipline. A Master's degree or legal qualification (JD) is a plus.
Nice to have qualifications:
- Experience with a startup or rapidly growing company.
- Familiarity with Australian export control regulations or international trade compliance.
- Experience with other relevant regulatory bodies (e.g., FCC, FAA).
- Project management experience.
Why Join Us?
- Be a part of a groundbreaking company at the forefront of the commercial space industry.
- Contribute directly to the success and strategic direction of a fast-growing startup.
- Work on impactful projects supporting critical government missions.
- Opportunity for significant professional growth and development.
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- A collaborative, innovative, and supportive work environment.
Rewards & Benefits
We understand that a competitive offer extends beyond base salary. As a rapidly growing startup, we're committed to building a highly motivated team and believe in sharing our success. We offer a comprehensive total rewards package designed to attract and retain top talent:
- Competitive Base Salary: We offer a strong base salary commensurate with your experience and the significant impact you'll have on our growth.
- Employee Stock Option Plan (ESOP): As an early-stage employee, you'll receive a meaningful grant of employee stock options. This provides you with an ownership stake in our company and the opportunity to share directly in our future success. We believe in aligning your contributions with our collective growth, offering substantial upside potential as we achieve our ambitious milestones.
- Company-sponsored 401(k): Matching contributions vested immediately.
- Comprehensive Healthcare: Your well-being is a priority. We provide a robust employer-sponsored healthcare plan to ensure you and your family have access to quality medical care.
- Generous Paid Time Off: We value work-life balance and offer annual Paid Time Off (PTO) plus additional dedicated sick days.
- Paid Federal Holidays: Enjoy all federal holidays throughout the year, allowing you to recharge and spend time with loved ones.
What We Value:
You’ll love being on our team if you are someone who:
- Thrives in an ambiguous, semi-structured and dynamic environment.
- Upholds the highest level of integrity.
- Is proactive and takes initiative.
- Isn’t afraid to pitch in where the team needs you most.
- Can be depended on to do what they say and uphold their end of the teamwork.
- Is innovative, agile and flexible.
- Fully believes if you’re not having fun doing what you do, you are in the wrong place.
HEO USA is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).
We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, sex stereotyping, transgender status, and gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), marital status, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
As a federal contractor, we are committed to affirmative action for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. We strive to create a diverse and inclusive workforce where all employees feel valued, respected, and have the opportunity to contribute to their fullest potential.
We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for religious beliefs, practices, or observances, unless doing so would cause undue hardship. If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact us.
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