Export Control Officer

Job Description

Export control isn’t just a regulatory requirement, it’s about protecting national security while enabling global trade. As a UK Export Controller within the defence industry, you sit at the intersection of technology, law, and geopolitics, ensuring that sensitive goods and knowledge move responsibly across borders. Every decision matters, because what we export today can shape security and trust worldwide.

Salary: Circa £45,000 depending on experience

Dynamic (hybrid) working: 3 days per week on-site due to workload classification

Security Clearance: British Citizen

Restrictions and/or limitations relating to nationality and/or rights to work may apply. As a minimum and after offer stage, all successful candidates will need to undergo HMG Basic Personnel Security Standard checks (BPSS), which are managed by the MBDA Personnel Security Team.

What we can offer you:

• Company bonus: Up to £2,500 (based on company performance and will vary year to year)
• Pension: maximum total (employer and employee) contribution of up to 14%
• Overtime: opportunity for paid overtime
• Flexi Leave: Up to 15 additional days
• Flexible working: We welcome applicants who are looking for flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced parental leave: offers up to 26 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave -enhancements are available for paternity leave, neonatal leave and fertility testing and treatments
• Facilities: Fantastic site facilities including subsidised meals, free car parking and much more…
• Healthcare Cash Plan: The Healthcare Cash Plan benefit provides the option to claim cash back on everyday healthcare expenses such as optical, dental, health and wellbeing and more

The opportunity:

The Export Control Compliance Officer is responsible for ensuring that all transfers of goods, software, technology, and information comply with both UK Export Control regulations, other sovereign states and relevant US export control regimes, including ITAR and EAR. You will support the business in assessing export risks, maintaining accurate and auditable records, and guiding stakeholders to ensure compliant operations across all sites and functions.

This role is central to balancing commercial objectives with ethical and security responsibilities, enabling the organisation to trade globally while preventing the misuse or diversion of controlled defence capabilities. Every licensing decision, classification assessment, and advisory input carries real-world consequences, shaping not only business outcomes, but also international security, strategic relationships, and global trust. Your decisions will matter and judgement counts; you will be required to solve real regulatory challenges on cutting edge technology.

What we're looking for from you:

• Strong understanding of UK Export Control regulations and processes, including the UK Strategic Export Control Lists and OGEL/OGTCL frameworks.
• Working knowledge of US ITAR and EAR, particularly relating to re-export, retransfer, and US-origin content within UK programmes.
• Experience in compliance, regulatory, or governance roles, ideally in defence, aerospace, or advanced technology.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to interpret technical and regulatory information accurately.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain UK and US export requirements clearly and concisely.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and work methodically to meet deadlines.
• Proactive, risk-aware mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships across diverse business areas.
• Educated to a Degree level would be an advantageous.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with compliance or document management systems is advantageous.

Our company: Peace is not a given, Freedom is not a given, Sovereignty is not a given

MBDA is a leading defence organisation. We are proud of the role we play in supporting the Armed Forces who protect our nations. We partner with governments to work together towards a common goal, defending our freedom.

We are proud of our employee-led networks, examples include: Gender Equality, Pride, Menopause Matters, Parents and Carers, Armed Forces, Ethnic Diversity, Neurodiversity, Disability and more…

We recognise that everyone is unique, and we encourage you to speak to us should you require any advice, support or adjustments throughout our recruitment process.

Follow us on LinkedIn (MBDA), X (@MBDA_UK), Instagram (MBDA_UK) and Glassdoor or visit our MBDA Careers website for more information.