Export Control & Compliance Director H/F

Alta Ares
Alta Ares

Compliance / Regulatory

Paris, France

Posted on Jun 8, 2026

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