Defense Trade Analyst Level IV with Security Clearance

Corporate Profile:
Acquisition Professionals LLC (AP) is a trusted strategic partner delivering comprehensive, solutions-driven services in acquisition management, administrative support, information technology, and financial management. Combining years of deep expertise with agile program management and customized learning solutions, AP offers cradle-to-grave acquisition support, ensuring client success across complex and high-risk projects. Leveraging industry's best practices, technology, and our highly experienced professionals, AP delivers integrated and effective solutions tailored specifically to our federal government clients. NOTE: This position is contingent upon contract award and requires on-site presence within the Washington Metropolitan Area/National Capital Region. Acquisition Professionals LLC is seeking a knowledgeable and detail-oriented Defense Trade Analyst - Level IV to support U.S. arms export regulations and foreign policy initiatives under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). Operating under administrative supervision, this senior-level position requires significant autonomy in interpreting regulatory policies, resolving conflicts, and advising on complex export licensing and compliance matters. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree or a combination of education and at least seven (7) years of relevant experience in AECA/ITAR compliance, coupled with a strong understanding of U.S. foreign policy and Department of State priorities. This role requires expert-level knowledge of DDTC registration, licensing, and compliance processes, as well as demonstrated experience in evaluating license applications and executing regulatory decisions. Key responsibilities include researching and interpreting export regulations, ensuring timely execution of short-deadline actions, and supporting strategic licensing decisions that align with national security objectives. The analyst will interact with internal and external stakeholders, draft and present written materials, and collaborate on sensitive matters that may have foreign policy implications. This position requires strong organizational skills, excellent customer service, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and collaboration tools such as SharePoint, OneNote, and Teams. A minimum Secret clearance is required, with the ability to obtain a Top Secret or TS/SCI clearance if requested. Domestic and international travel may be required. Responsibilities: As directed by his/her Office Director or Division Chief, performs preliminary review and assigns cases for review by other team members. Reviews, analyzes and evaluates the most sensitive cases in several commodity categories assigned to him/her (e.g. military electronics, arms and ammunition, aircraft, tanks, naval vessels, radar and missiles) to identify all pertinent legal, policy, regulatory, and related procedural considerations. Collects and analyzes data and information provided by U.S. industry and available precedent cases.
Determines the necessity for, and refers for recommendations, significant cases (e.g., those without precedent or involving sensitive countries) to concerned agencies, such as the Department of Defense and NASA, as appropriate, as well as to appropriate bureaus in the Department. On cases not requiring referral, incumbent relies solely on his/her judgment on whether to approve, return without action, or deny license applications or other requests. Hosts and/or attends meetings to discuss case merits with all stakeholders in cases with significant national security and foreign policy considerations based on current geopolitical considerations (e.g., missile technology proliferation concerns, significant human rights concerns, etc.). Serves as the Office of Defense Trade Controls Licensing Liaison Officer to interagency multi -lateral regime committees. Provides Licensing subject matter expertise. Coordinates and reconciles outside recommendations and makes decisions to approve or deny license applications and manufacturing, technical assistance and distribution agreements. Drafts all necessary clauses and provisos to be incorporated into approved licenses and agreements. Determines, based on legislation or U.S. policy, whether a particular request requires Congressional notification and prepares the required notification including coordination with appropriate offices /agencies. Offers recommendations to Office Director or Division Chief certain cases which in his/her judgment require verification to determine the validity of the transaction. Offers recommendations to Office Director or Division Chief certain cases which in his/her judgment require potential investigation for violation activity. Conducts discussions with U.S. industry on individual cases prior to submission as well as during the review process. Provides to industry guidance on export policy and administrative practices, and interprets the ITAR and pertinent laws and legislation. This includes occasional presentations to industry, training courses and assigned portions of licensing and policy seminars. Makes or assists in making determinations regarding whether items are on the U.S. Munitions List.
Drafts and coordinates, as necessary, emails, memoranda, congressional letters and other communications on matters relating to his/her responsibilities, including decision memoranda for the signature of the Secretary of State. Represents the Office and Directorate at Bureau and Departmental export control and non - proliferation groups and training/outreach activities. Represents, under minimal supervision, the Office, Directorate, Bureau, or Department, depending on context, in meetings within the Department and interagency and with foreign governments and industry, providing expert advice, explaining laws and regulations, and explaining or defending official policies and positions. Works closely with the Office of Defense Trade Controls Policy and U .S. Customs officer assigned to DTC on the EXODUS program by providing guidance necessary to determine the seizure or release of shipments detained by Customs, or to determine jurisdictional control and compliance with U.S. regulations. Maintains, thorough review of current world events, technical journals, etc., current knowledge in foreign policy, industrial, and technological advances across the full breadth of the Office of Defense Trade Controls Licensing responsibilities. Operates independently in determining responsibilities for managing assigned portfolio, planning, organizing, and executing assigned responsibilities, including defining project objectives and requirements, initiating contact and coordinating activities with other organizations, and providing expert advice and guidance directly to senior officials both within and outside the Bureau. Analyzes and evaluates arms export control policies, procedures, and methods, in light of U.S. foreign policy objectives and makes recommendations for modifications to the Division Chiefs and senior level officials . Drafts proposed arms export policies, practices, and procedures for the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the United States Munitions List (USML) and leads coordination through the review process. Establishes and fosters close liaisons with the other DDTC offices and with various offices within the Department of State, Department of Defense (Office of the Secretary of Defense, Joint Staff, Army, Navy, and Air Force), Department of Energy, Department Commerce, Department of Treasury (including the U.S. Customs Service), Department of Justice, the intelligence community, the National Security Council, and Congress in connection with foreign policy, technical, intelligence, and defense factors which bear on the munitions control function. Maintains contacts with representatives of industry, trade associations, manufacturers, export/import companies, and foreign embassies. Assists in identifying, formulating, forging consensus for, executing, and following up new licensing policy initiatives. Performs licensing data analysis to support and inform policy making officials, under minimal supervision. Drafts cables, decision/info memoranda, briefing papers, rules to be published in the Federal Register, and other related documents under minimal supervision to ensure they are consistent with licensing policy, they support U.S. policy goals and objectives, and they are consistent with pertinent U.S. laws and regulations. Sends such materials to Senior Licensing Management for final approval.
As delegated by the Office Director and Division Chief may serve as Team Leader in the following capacities: assigns work to lower grade analysts; maintains cognizance of the status of projects and cases; reviews/audits completed work of others; provides guidance, answers questions, and provides additional training, as appropriate.