Export Control & Compliance Director H/F

About Alta Ares

Alta Ares is a deeptech startup founded in 2024, building real-time AI for defense operations — ISR, C-UAS, and autonomous systems. Our clients are NATO-aligned militaries and defence institutions, with regular deployments during live exercises and operational demonstrations. We raised €2M seed in May 2025, 50M in June 2026, and are expanding fast.

Our product suite includes:

• Real-time AI ISR module deployable on drones and tactical platforms

• Counter-UAS solution enabling autonomous drone takeover in GNSS-denied environments

• Full-stack MLOps platform for training & deploying military-grade AI models

• Data fusion and trajectory prediction

Role & Mission

Export Control & Regulatory Compliance

• Build and manage Alta Ares’ export control framework (France + EU as core scope)

• Classify products and technologies under military and dual-use regimes

• Lead export license applications and regulatory processes

• Ensure compliance with French regulations (DGA, SBDU) and EU Dual-Use Regulation

• Monitor regulatory developments impacting defense, AI, and autonomous systems

  
  
  International Scope & Coordination

• Handle cross-border transfers, including cases involving US-origin technologies (ITAR/EAR exposure when relevant)

• Coordinate with external advisors when dealing with non-EU regulatory frameworks

• Anticipate regulatory constraints in international deployments and partnerships

• Support operations involving multiple jurisdictions (EU, UK, US, allied countries)

Business Enablement

• Partner with Sales and leadership to enable compliant deal execution

• Provide clear guidance on export constraints early in the sales cycle

• Support contract structuring (export clauses, usage restrictions, re-export considerations)

• Contribute to go/no-go decisions in sensitive markets

Risk & Sanctions Management

• Ensure compliance with EU and international sanctions regimes

• Conduct end-use and end-user due diligence

• Assess regulatory and geopolitical risks tied to new opportunities

• Implement pragmatic controls to mitigate compliance risks

Internal Program & Culture

• Develop policies, procedures, and training across teams

• Promote a strong compliance culture adapted to a fast-growing startup

• Ensure documentation, traceability, and audit readiness

• Balance rigor with operational efficiency

External Interface

• Interact with French authorities (DGA, SBDU) and external advisors

• Support participation in European and international defense programs

• Stay informed on evolving regulatory frameworks impacting the business

Requirements

Candidate Profile

• 5–10 years of experience in export control, trade compliance, or regulatory affairs

• Background in defense, aerospace, or dual-use industries

• Strong knowledge of French export control framework and EU Dual-Use Regulation

• Experience managing export licenses and regulatory interactions

• Exposure to international frameworks (UK, US including ITAR/EAR)

Skills & Qualities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to translate regulatory complexity into clear, actionable guidance

• Pragmatic, business-oriented mindset

• High integrity and attention to detail

• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, international environment

• Strong communication across technical, legal, and commercial teams

• Fluent in French and English

Nice to Have

• Experience in a startup or high-growth environment

• Exposure to AI, drones, autonomous systems, or ISR technologies

• Experience interacting with French authorities (DGA, SBDU)

• Experience building or scaling a compliance program

• Familiarity with international export control frameworks (UK, US)

• Legal background or export control certifications