Overview
A senior-level Export Compliance Counsel position is available to provide expert legal guidance on U.S. export control regulations, with a focus on automotive technologies. This role requires deep expertise in export controls related to software, encryption, and technology classification. The counsel will translate complex regulatory requirements into practical advice for engineering and executive teams.
This is a contractor role expected to last six months, with potential for extension. The position offers a hybrid work model (2-3 days in office) for candidates near offices in Ann Arbor, MI; Atlanta, GA; or San Jose, CA. Otherwise, the role is fully remote within the U.S. Relocation assistance is not provided. Occasional travel may be required.
Responsibilities
- Provide clear, actionable guidance on compliance with U.S. export regulations, primarily the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
- Serve as a liaison among Engineering, Procurement, HR, IT, and other departments to identify and mitigate export control risks during product development and technology transfers, including cross-border transfers to countries such as China, Germany, and India.
- Support broader legal initiatives including commercial agreements, product counseling, litigation support, and corporate compliance as needed.
- Manage the development and implementation of export control policies and daily operations.
- Lead and mentor export compliance team members and cross-functional working groups; represent export control in senior leadership meetings.
- Conduct periodic risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and close compliance gaps.
- Ensure proper classification of products, technology, and software under the Commerce Control List (CCL), including determining Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs).
- Analyze software functionality for encryption use and compliance requirements.
- Prepare and collect information for end-use and end-user verification; identify and document red flags.
- Collaborate with software development teams to review source code, object code, and technical documentation for export restrictions.
- Assess licensing requirements and prepare export license applications, advisory opinions, and declarations in coordination with stakeholders and outside counsel.
- Represent the organization before government agencies such as BIS, OFAC, and DDTC; manage licensing strategies and lead internal investigations and voluntary disclosures.
- Ensure compliance with recordkeeping and documentation requirements; conduct export audits.
- Monitor and communicate updates on U.S. and foreign import/export regulations and industry best practices.
Minimum Qualifications
- At least 7 years of combined law firm and in-house experience in U.S. export controls and trade compliance.
- Significant project and program management experience, including team leadership and mentoring.
- Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school and admission to practice law in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
- Expert knowledge of EAR, software classification, licensing, deemed exports, and Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (FOCI) structures.
- Experience managing export control programs and coordinating cross-functional teams.
- Ability to classify products, technology, and software under the CCL.
- Experience submitting BIS license applications, especially for deemed exports and software classifications.
- Strong analytical, research, and communication skills with attention to detail.
- Ability to provide clear, business-friendly legal advice and present to executive leadership.
- Proven ability to manage high-volume workflows and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively across time zones.
- Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Excel, PowerPoint), Jira, and similar tools.
- Ability to quickly adapt to specialized systems.
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Export Compliance Professional (CECP) certification.
- Combined experience in Big Law firms and in-house legal roles.
- Experience leading legal or compliance teams and advising executive leadership in global organizations.
- Knowledge of China, European Union, and other foreign export control laws.
- Experience advising on compliance tool development, with AI experience as a plus.
- Background in global technology and/or automotive industries.
- Proven track record building and managing export compliance programs and enabling stakeholder collaboration.
- History of successful engagement with U.S. government regulators (BIS, OFAC, DDTC).
- Willingness to travel occasionally within the U.S. (California and Michigan) for in-person collaboration.
Compensation & Compliance
Starting pay will be determined based on education, skills, experience, geographic location, and market conditions.
Export license or authorization may be required for assignments involving access to export-controlled items. Placement is contingent upon obtaining necessary authorizations. Additional documentation may be requested to verify status for export compliance purposes.
Location
Hybrid work model with offices located in Ann Arbor, MI; Atlanta, GA; and San Jose, CA. Remote work within the U.S. is permitted for candidates outside commuting distance. Occasional travel may be required.