Compliance & Export Controls Specialist

At Dawn Aerospace, we're building the future of aerospace.

From satellite propulsion systems to reusable spaceplane technology, we're developing technologies that are transforming access to space. Operating across New Zealand, Europe and the United States means navigating a complex international regulatory environment, where compliance is a critical enabler of our business.

We're looking for an experienced Compliance & Export Controls Specialist to join our Christchurch team. In this role, you'll lead the development and continuous improvement of Dawn Aerospace's compliance framework, ensuring our operations meet applicable legal, regulatory, customer and industry requirements while enabling innovation and business growth.

Export controls and trade compliance are a key focus of the role. You'll also help shape and strengthen compliance across information security, privacy, AI governance, anti-bribery and ethical business conduct. Working closely with engineering, operations and corporate teams, you'll translate complex regulatory requirements into practical policies, processes and training that enable the business to operate confidently and responsibly.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working across technical, operational and corporate functions and can balance regulatory obligations with pragmatic business solutions in a fast-paced, international environment.

What you'll do

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of Dawn Aerospace's compliance framework.
• Develop, implement and maintain policies, procedures and internal controls to ensure compliance with applicable laws, regulations, contractual obligations and industry standards.
• Lead compliance activities relating to export controls, trade compliance, sanctions and government contracting, including export licence applications, authorisations, customer requirements, record-keeping and ongoing compliance obligations.
• Monitor regulatory developments and advise the business on emerging compliance obligations and risks.
• Conduct compliance risk assessments and partner with stakeholders to implement effective mitigation strategies.
• Develop and deliver engaging compliance training and awareness programmes across the organisation.
• Plan and conduct internal compliance audits, monitoring activities and corrective actions.
• Support and strengthen compliance programmes covering information security, privacy, AI governance, anti-bribery and ethical business conduct.
• Partner with Engineering, Operations, IT, Finance and People teams to embed compliance into everyday business activities.
• Support customer, supplier and regulatory audits, due diligence activities and compliance assessments.
• Support customer compliance requirements relating to export controls, security, government contracting and supplier assurance.
• Provide practical, commercially minded compliance advice to managers and employees across the business.

What you'll bring

Essential

• A tertiary qualification in Law, Engineering, Business, Information Security, International Relations or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience in compliance, governance, risk management, regulatory affairs, export controls, trade compliance, security compliance or a related field.
• Strong ability to interpret legal and regulatory requirements and translate them into practical business policies and processes.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex regulatory requirements in a practical and accessible way.
• High attention to detail, sound judgement and a strong commitment to integrity.

Desirable

• Experience managing export control, sanctions compliance or trade compliance programmes.
• Experience with US export controls, particularly ITAR and EAR.
• Experience within aerospace, defence, regulated technology, manufacturing, government or another highly regulated industry.
• Knowledge of international export control regimes, including the Wassenaar Arrangement.
• Familiarity with information security and cybersecurity frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIS2, NIST SP 800-171 or CMMC.
• Experience developing compliance policies, conducting internal audits and delivering compliance training.
• Experience supporting customer audits, supplier assurance activities or government contracting requirements.
• Experience working across multiple international jurisdictions.
• Professional certifications in compliance, export controls, information security, privacy, AI governance, risk management or auditing.

Why join Dawn Aerospace?

This is a rare opportunity to build and shape the compliance capability of one of the world's fastest-growing aerospace companies. You'll work alongside talented engineers, scientists and business leaders across multiple countries, helping enable innovative technologies while ensuring we meet the highest standards of regulatory, ethical and commercial compliance.

You'll have the opportunity to influence how compliance supports the growth of cutting-edge aerospace technologies, helping ensure Dawn Aerospace continues to innovate responsibly while operating successfully across highly regulated global markets.

If you're looking for a role where you can have genuine influence, solve complex regulatory challenges and help enable the next generation of aerospace innovation, we'd love to hear from you.