--- title: 'U.S. Export Control Lead at Kraken Kinetics' canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/u-s-export-control-lead-kraken-kinetics-pinehurst-5gtv1ye5x3c1' type: 'job' last_seen: '2026-09-26' --- # U.S. Export Control Lead at Kraken Kinetics - **Company:** Kraken Kinetics - **Location:** Pinehurst, NC - **Compensation:** $130k–$160k - **Employment:** full-time - **Work type:** onsite - **Posted:** 2026-07-29 - **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-26 - **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/kraken-kinetics/dfa1b46c-ed06-45a1-8d2b-9216eca9e8a9 ## Job description ## ABOUT KRAKEN KINETICS Kraken Kinetics designs and manufactures advanced kinetic solutions that enable modern warfighting capabilities for the United States Armed Forces and its allies. We specialize in mission-tailored warheads and firing systems for unmanned and autonomous weapon platforms, delivering production-ready solutions at speed to address urgent national security challenges. Our team brings decades of specialized Department of War experience across the full lifecycle of kinetic system development—from concept and design through testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment. Built on a foundation of work that helped lead the DoW into the era of kinetic drones, Kraken Kinetics combines commercial agility with deep technical expertise to deliver DEFINITIVE LETHALITY™ when it matters most. ## POSITION SUMMARY Location: On Site — based out of Pinehurst, NC area facility Kraken Kinetics is seeking an experienced U.S. Export Control Lead to head the company's quickly growing U.S. export compliance program. This high-impact role is for an experienced practitioner who has operated as the primary export compliance owner for a regulated business. Reporting to the Head of Legal, this individual serves as the company’s principal point of contact on U.S. export controls, working with outside counsel and experts when needed, and partnering closely with executive leadership, security, HR, manufacturing, and training. ## Key Responsibilities - Serve as the company’s Export Control Officer, overseeing the company’s export control compliance program. - Determine export jurisdiction and classification for hardware and technology under the ITAR and EAR. - Identify licensing requirements and manage export licenses, exemptions, and agreements, including TAAs and MLAs. - Conduct end-use, end-user, and restricted-party screening, including sanctions and diversion-risk due diligence. - Manage deemed export compliance and maintain Technology Control Plans (TCPs). - Maintain auditable export records and support internal audits, gap assessments, and corrective actions. - Develop and deliver export control training across the organization. - Partner with Sales, Engineering, Training, Business Development, and Supply Chain to integrate export requirements into daily operations. - Monitor regulatory developments and engage with industry groups and government agencies on emerging requirements. ## REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field or JD from an accredited law school and active bar membership in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. - 3-5+ years of relevant experience in U.S. export controls and related compliance matters; ITAR experience strongly preferred but not required. - Proven proficiency building, implementing, and owning an export compliance program. - Strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and a high level of organization and attention to detail in regulatory scenarios. - Excellent communication skills and comfortable advising senior leaders. - Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, high growth environment. - Experience with Global Trade Management (GTM) software or ERP-integrated compliance tools preferred. U.S. Export Control Compliance Status. The person hired will have access to information and items subject to U.S. export controls, and therefore, must either be a "U.S. person" as defined by 22 C.F.R. § 120.62 or otherwise eligible for deemed export licensing. US persons include U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), and asylees and refugees with such status granted, not pending. Benefits included: - Generous PTO policy - Comprehensive medical coverage (80% company-paid for employee + dependents). - Vision & dental (100% company-paid) - Short and long-term disability coverage (100% company-paid) - Generous 401(k) retirement plan - Company-paid life insurance - Great teammates and well stocked snacks ## LIFE IN MOORE COUNTY, NC (PINEHURST AREA) Kraken Kinetics is based in Moore County, North Carolina, home to Pinehurst, a nationally recognized destination offering an exceptional quality of life. Employees benefit from a low cost of living, minimal congestion, and a strong sense of community, with easy access to larger metropolitan areas, including Raleigh-Durham. Whether you're looking to accelerate your career or put down long-term roots, the Pinehurst area offers a compelling alternative to traditional tech and defense hubs. We are committed to supporting relocation for the right candidates. Watch what it’s like to live here: https://youtu.be/gXuJhhVhcn8 ## EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER Kraken Kinetics is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and welcome applicants of all backgrounds. ## About Kraken Kinetics ## Company Overview - **One-liner**: Kraken Kinetics provides mission-tailored kinetic solutions for modern weapon systems, focusing on unmanned and autonomous delivery platforms, to enhance warfighting capabilities for the U.S. Armed Forces and allies. - **Entity Type**: Private (early stage, no disclosed funding) - **Headquarters**: Moore County (Pinehurst), North Carolina, United States - **Founded**: 2023 - **Founders**: Brian Davis (Founder and President) ## Core Business - **Primary industry**: Defense and Space Manufacturing (Aerospace & Defense) - **Target customers**: U.S. Department of Defense, allied governments, defense technology partners (B2G, B2B) - **Mission or purpose statement**: "Definitive Lethality" – to create advanced kinetic solutions to defeat adversaries on the modern battlefield, making it their mission and responsibility as Americans to deliver definitive lethality. ## Products & Services - **Safe and Arm Devices**: Purpose-built devices for unmanned/autonomous platforms, featuring triple independent arming switches, redundant safety mechanisms, environmental sensors, arming delay circuits, and flexible triggering criteria. Options range from low-voltage cost-effective to high-voltage MIL-STD compliant configurations. - **Shaped Charge Warheads**: Focus explosive energy through a metal liner to produce a high-velocity jet capable of penetrating thick armor at defined standoff distances. - **Explosively Formed Projectile (EFP) Warheads**: Engineered for significant penetration effects while being insensitive to standoff variability, circumventing enemy anti-armor countermeasures. - **Thermobaric Warheads**: Effective against personnel and structures when delivered within the target. - **Tungsten Fragmentation Warheads**: Tailored for delivery system and mission to balance fragment size, velocity, pattern density, and coverage area to neutralize materiel and personnel targets. - **Reactive Material Warheads**: Optimal for thin-skinned materiel targets containing sensitive electronics or flammable materials. - **Thermite Torch Payloads**: Bond to materiel targets, rapidly pierce up to several inches of steel, and initiate combustion events. ## Market Standing - **Valuation/Market Cap**: Not publicly available - **Key Metric**: Total employees – 21 (~244% YoY growth as of mid-2026) - **Notable Investors/Partners**: Not publicly available; clients include the U.S. Government, allies, and defense technology partners - **Growth Signals**: Employee headcount grew from ~6 to 21 in about a year (+244% YoY); 11 active job postings (as of mid-2026); LinkedIn followers grew +187.6% YoY to ~4,843; multiple senior hires (Head of People, General Counsel, Head of IT, Director of Logistics, Director of Engineering, Head of Strategic Partnerships). ## Competitive Advantages - **Deep DoD pedigree**: Leadership team originally formed the core of a government program that led the DoD into the era of kinetic drones, with over 40 years of combined experience in design, testing, manufacturing, and operational deployment of kinetic systems. - **Rapid concept-to-deployment**: Proprietary design tools and empirically derived knowledge base allow swift progression from requirements analysis through model-build-test cycles to manufacturing. - **Proven manufacturing focus**: Solutions are designed for manufacturing from the outset, enabling rapid scaling. - **Broad warhead expertise**: In-house capability across multiple warhead types (shaped charge, EFP, thermobaric, fragmentation, reactive material, thermite torch) and safe/arm fuzing systems. ## Strategic Focus - Scaling the organization (hiring across engineering, manufacturing, quality, finance, recruiting, and account management). - Expanding government and industry partnerships (active roles for Account Manager – Government Relations and Account Manager – Industry Relations). - Continuing to develop next-generation kinetic solutions for unmanned and autonomous delivery platforms. - Maintaining commercial agility while meeting MIL-STD compliance and operational security needs. ## Why Work Here - **Mission-driven work**: Directly contributes to national security and equipping U.S. forces and allies with advanced lethality. - **Rapid growth environment**: Young company (founded 2023) with triple-digit headcount growth, offering early-stage impact and career acceleration. - **Hybrid/In-Office flexibility**: Hybrid workspace in Pinehurst, NC; some roles are listed as in-office. Employees engage in a combination of remote and on-site work. - **Tight-knit, expert team**: Small team (21 employees) with deep defense experience; employees come from backgrounds in aerospace, defense, and military (including USMC, AECOM, AEVEX, etc.). - **Cross-functional exposure**: Roles span engineering (Mechanical, Electrical), manufacturing (Warhead Fabricator, Fulfillment Lead), quality (Quality Manager, Safety Manager), finance (Controller, Financial Analyst), and people operations (Recruiter, Head of People). ## Sources 1. [Kraken Kinetics Official Website](https://www.krakenkinetics.com/) 2. [Built In Company Profile](https://builtin.com/company/kraken-kinetics) 3. [Built In Jobs Page](https://builtin.com/company/kraken-kinetics/jobs) 4. [LinkedIn Company Page](https://www.linkedin.com/company/kraken-kinetics) 5. [SignalHire Company Profile](https://www.signalhire.com/companies/kraken-kinetics) ## Other roles at Kraken Kinetics - [Legal Counsel, Subcontracts and Supply Chain](https://feeny.ai/job/legal-counsel-subcontracts-and-supply-chain-kraken-kinetics-pinehurst-zcd3jeh7csdn) — Pinehurst, NC - [Test & Verification Engineer II/III](https://feeny.ai/job/test-verification-engineer-ii-iii-kraken-kinetics-pinehurst-sxsqwnfghhha) — Pinehurst, NC - [Senior Systems Engineer](https://feeny.ai/job/senior-systems-engineer-kraken-kinetics-pinehurst-7h8zegqb994z) — Pinehurst, NC - [Shipping Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/shipping-coordinator-kraken-kinetics-pinehurst-xddk8h8hkb72) — Pinehurst - [Receiving Associate](https://feeny.ai/job/receiving-associate-kraken-kinetics-whispering-pines-kcehcbdgk2qv) — Whispering Pines - [Order Management Coordinator](https://feeny.ai/job/order-management-coordinator-kraken-kinetics-pinehurst-bhxmfdjhs04p) — Pinehurst, NC - [PCB Layout Designer](https://feeny.ai/job/pcb-layout-designer-kraken-kinetics-pinehurst-cpd9ea0mnfex) — Pinehurst, NC - [Electrical Engineer III](https://feeny.ai/job/electrical-engineer-iii-kraken-kinetics-pinehurst-jw9h5yb5t726) — Pinehurst, NC - [IT Support Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/it-support-specialist-kraken-kinetics-pinehurst-3tqfv3yq1bqg) — Pinehurst, NC - [System Administrator](https://feeny.ai/job/system-administrator-kraken-kinetics-pinehurst-2pbg1sxhvtys) — Pinehurst, NC