Compliance Analyst II

About the Office

The United States Department of State, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs, Office of the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (PM-DDTC) serves as the primary regulator for the defense trade industry. Operating under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), the office manages the temporary and permanent export of defense articles, services, and technical data listed on the United States Munitions List (USML). The team is responsible for registering manufacturers, exporters, and brokers, issuing export authorizations, and administering the commodity jurisdiction process to determine regulatory authority.

DDTC ensures national security and foreign policy compliance through a robust enforcement framework. This includes supporting criminal and civil enforcement actions, managing a voluntary disclosure program to encourage industry self-reporting, and conducting pre- and post-license checks to verify authorized shipments. The office also coordinates with interagency partners, including the Department of Justice, DHS ICE, and the FBI, to combat arms trafficking and proliferation.

About the Role

This position serves as a critical support role within the regulatory and compliance ecosystem of the DDTC. You will work under close supervision to facilitate the registration of exporters, manufacturers, and brokers, ensuring adherence to Parts 122 and 129 of the ITAR. The role involves reviewing complex information regarding criminal violations, foreign ownership, and control, as well as assisting in the review of mergers and acquisitions involving registrants.

You will be the first point of contact for incoming voluntary disclosures from the defense industry regarding civil violations. Your work will involve triaging these disclosures, drafting response letters for senior leadership, and maintaining a tracking system to ensure full compliance. Additionally, you will assist in resolving routine registration matters and handling license requests flagged on the "Watch List" for enforcement reasons, utilizing available data and coordinating with law enforcement as needed.

The day-to-day work includes conducting fact-finding investigations, performing record searches, and preparing comprehensive reports that support criminal investigations by federal agencies. You may also participate in the Company Visit Program, traveling domestically to pre-selected defense companies to gather information and report on findings. This role requires synthesizing complex regulatory information to develop recommendations for management and engaging in proactive outreach to the defense community to promote compliance with U.S. export laws.

Hiring Process

Candidates selected for this position must possess a minimum security clearance of Secret, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret or Top Secret/SCI clearance upon request. The selection process includes a review of qualifications, potential writing samples to assess communication skills, and an assessment of judgment and interpersonal abilities. Successful candidates will be expected to work effectively within a structured hierarchy, demonstrating the ability to resolve disputes professionally and manage multiple projects within established timeframes.

Equal Opportunity

The United States Department of State is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the nation we serve. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.