Aerospace and Defense, Business Development, Business Growth, Business Practices, Business Strategy, Composite Materials, Contract Management, Contract Negotiation, Corporate Compliance, Documentation, Environmental Compliance, Finance, Government, Government Contracts, Leadership, Legal, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Mentoring, Negotiation Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Product Pricing, Profit & Loss, Project/Program Management, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Analysis, Risk Management, Supply Chain Management, United States Department of Defense (DoD), Willing to Travel
Help Shape the Future of Aerospace Innovation
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.
What You’ll Do
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
Required Skills
Required Experience