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- Tasks: Ensure compliance with UK and US export control regulations while supporting global trade.
- Company: Join MBDA, a leading defence organisation committed to national security.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company bonus, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions that shape international security and trust in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of export control regulations and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with diverse employee-led networks and excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 54000 £ per year.
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.
Export Control Officer in Stevenage employer: MBDA
Contact Detail:
MBDA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Export Control Officer in Stevenage
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the defence industry, especially those who work with export controls. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and give you a leg up on the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK Export Control regulations and US ITAR/EAR. Be ready to discuss how your skills can help balance commercial objectives with security responsibilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples where you've tackled compliance challenges or improved processes. This will demonstrate your proactive mindset and ability to handle real-world regulatory issues.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at MBDA.
We think you need these skills to ace Export Control Officer in Stevenage
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you have a solid understanding of UK Export Control regulations and processes. Highlight any relevant experience in compliance or governance roles, especially in defence or advanced technology, to show us you're the right fit.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Export Control Officer role. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves explaining complex regulations, make sure your written communication is clear and concise. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to convey technical information effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at MBDA
✨Know Your Regulations
Make sure you brush up on UK Export Control regulations and processes, as well as US ITAR and EAR. Being able to discuss these frameworks confidently will show that you understand the complexities of the role and are ready to tackle the challenges that come with it.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Prepare examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was in compliance or regulatory roles, being able to highlight how you accurately interpreted technical information can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex export requirements in simple terms. Strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial for this role, so be ready to demonstrate your ability to convey important information clearly and concisely during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Think of specific instances where you faced regulatory challenges and how you resolved them. Showcasing your proactive, risk-aware mindset and problem-solving abilities will help the interviewers see that you can handle the responsibilities of the Export Control Officer role effectively.
