Compliance Officer

An early-stage European defence-tech company developing autonomous robotic systems for real-world operational environments and is looking for the first compliance hire.

The team is building next-generation autonomy technology, with a current focus on aerial robotics and counter-drone systems. Their work combines advanced algorithms, robotics, perception, control and physical hardware to create autonomous systems capable of operating reliably in complex and dynamic environments.

The role

Be our first compliance hire and trailblaze the function from the ground up. As we scale into new defense markets, you'll stand up our compliance operation — export control, dual-use, sanctions and defense-procurement compliance — from scratch: the policies, the controls, the day-to-day. It's a hands-on, high-ownership role for someone early in their career who wants to build something real and grow into its leader, with external counsel and advisors backing the heavy legal calls. You'll take a proven compliance methodology and apply it, practically, to our defense processes across our home market and our export destinations.

What you'll do

• Stand up the compliance programme from (nearly!) scratch — policies, procedures, controls, checklists and training that actually fit a fast-moving startup.
• Run export-control and dual-use compliance day-to-day — classification, licences and authorizations (Spanish export authority / EU dual-use), and end-user checks.
• Screen customers, agents and partners across home and export markets — sanctions / denied-party, KYC / KYB, and anti-corruption red flags.
• Be the primary compliance interface for commercial, operations and the founders — take ownership of complex matters and keep deals moving, compliantly.
• Keep clean documentation and audit trails; support certifications, audits and any remediation.
• Track regulatory change across the markets we operate in and adapt the programme as we grow.

What you'll bring

• 2–5 years in compliance, regulatory, legal, audit or a closely related field — hands-on, and eager to own complex matters.
• A proven compliance methodology (AML / KYC / KYB, regulatory or export) that you can apply and adapt to defense.
• Resourceful and creative — comfortable building processes where none exist and navigating multiple markets and jurisdictions.
• Meticulous with detail and documentation; proactive and calm in ambiguity.
• Fluent in English.

Bonus points

Export-control, dual-use, defense or aerospace exposure; EU Dual-Use Regulation (2021/821) or Spanish export-control familiarity; awareness of US ITAR / EAR for transatlantic dealings; sanctions-screening tools; a legal or compliance qualification; additional languages.

What we offer

• The rare chance to build a function from zero and grow into its leader — a clear path to Head of Compliance.
• Direct access to the founders, real ownership of your work, and Made-in-Europe impact.