Director, Contracts & Compliance (26)

Director, Contracts & Compliance

We're looking for a strategic, commercially minded Director of Contracts & Compliance to lead high-impact contract negotiations, compliance governance, and risk management across a rapidly growing aerospace business. This is an opportunity to influence critical business decisions, partner directly with executive leadership, and help drive the next phase of growth in a dynamic, highly regulated industry.

If you thrive in complex negotiations, understand the intersection of business strategy and compliance, and enjoy operating in fast-moving environments where your expertise truly matters — this role is built for you.

Lead Complex Aerospace & Government Contracts

• Drive negotiations for sophisticated commercial and government agreements
• Structure contract terms that protect the company while enabling business growth
• Assess and mitigate risk related to scope, indemnification, performance guarantees, penalties, and regulatory obligations
• Ensure contractual commitments align with operational capabilities and financial targets

Champion Compliance & Governance

• Oversee compliance across commercial pursuits, contracts, export controls, and internal governance requirements
• Support ethics, trade compliance, and corporate approval processes
• Maintain audit readiness and documentation integrity across all commercial activities
• Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and compliant business practices

Influence Strategy Across the Business

• This role reports into the Axillon Business Development team, working closely with Operations, Finance, Legal, Supply Chain, and Program Management to support strategic growth initiatives
• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentorship to a small but high-performing team
• Collaborate with product line leaders to align market opportunities with delivery capabilities
• Help shape pricing strategies, contract structures, and pursuit decisions for major aerospace programs

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Engineering, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
• 10+ years of experience within the aerospace industry, including commercial and/or DoD environments
• Strong background negotiating complex, multimillion-dollar contracts
• Knowledge of government contracting, trade compliance, and regulated industry frameworks
• Experience managing contract planning, flow-downs, and compliance obligations
• Exceptional communication and executive presentation skills
• Ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace composites or advanced materials
• Civil and defense aerospace markets
• Export controls and regulatory compliance environments

Why Join Us?

This is more than a contracts role — it's a chance to become a trusted business leader inside a growing aerospace organization where your decisions directly impact profitability, growth, and long-term strategy.

You'll work alongside passionate industry experts, influence major customer partnerships, and help shape the future of advanced aerospace solutions.

Additional Information

• Hybrid work environment
• Travel required (~30%) to company locations, customers, and industry events
• PPE and safety protocols required when visiting manufacturing facilities
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position