Senior Counsel, Export Compliance

At Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America (MBRDNA), we are committed to delivering world-class automotive technologies that push the boundaries of what is possible. Our teams of highly skilled engineers and designers use cutting-edge software and technology, to enhance the driving experience and reduce environmental impact.

Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc. (MBRDNA) is seeking a senior-level Export Compliance Counsel to serve as a key advisor on export control regulations with a focus on the emerging regulatory landscape for automotive technologies. This role is ideal for an attorney with deep expertise in U.S. export controls applicable to software, encryption, and technology classification. The successful candidate is a business-savvy advisor who translates complex export requirements into practical, actionable guidance for engineering and executive stakeholders.

You will be responsible for navigating the complexities of U.S. export control regulations including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) from the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), and for managing the development and operation of the company’s export control program. This role will work closely with engineering teams and business stakeholders to support classification, licensing, recordkeeping, end-use/end-user diligence, audits, and training activities.

This is an on-site position based in Atlanta, Georgia. This role may require occasional travel for team meetings and business needs.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. (If you are a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, asylee or refugee, sponsorship is not required to work in the United States.)

Relocation assistance (domestic or international) is not provided for this position.

• Partnership:
  Provide practical and actionable guidance on compliance with U.S. export regulations, focusing heavily on the EAR and communicate that guidance clearly in executive-level meetings and cross-functional forums.
• Act as a bridge between Engineering, Procurement, HR, IT, and other stakeholders to identify and mitigate export control risks during classification, early stages of product development, and technology transfers (including cross-border technology transfers to countries such as China, Germany, and India).
• Assist with broader legal initiatives, including commercial agreements, product counseling, litigation support, and general corporate compliance as needed.

• Management:
  Manage the development and implementation of export control policies and programs.
• Manage daily export control operations and coordinate cross-functional activities to keep the export control program on track and compliant.
• Lead, mentor, and develop export compliance team members and cross-functional working groups, and represent the export control function in executive-level and senior leadership meetings.
• Conduct periodic risk assessments of operations to identify vulnerabilities and close compliance gaps.

• Classification (ECCN Determination):
  Ensure proper classification of products, technology, and software under the Commerce Control List (CCL).
• Analyze products, technology, and software to determine if items fall under EAR or ITAR and assign correct ECCNs as well as collect information to determine Country of Origin, HTS and Schedule B codes, and Supplier Declaration Forms
• Analyze software functionality to determine whether software uses, develops, or produces encryption, which may require licensing or notifications to BIS.

• End Use/End User Verification:
  Prepare and collect information to verify end use and end user of commodities/services; identify and address red flags that may arise and document accordingly

• Technology Analysis:
  Partner with development teams such as software development teams to support compliant software releases to international customers. Review software source code, object code, and related technical documentation for export restrictions. Collaborate with software development and engineering teams to understand functionality for accurate classification.

• License Determination and Applications:
  Assess whether an export, transfer, or release requires a license or qualifies for a license exception (e.g., TSU, ENC). Draft export license applications, Advisory Opinion and Specific Authorization requests, and Declaration of Conformity filings in coordination with business stakeholders and outside counsel.
• Represent the company…