Trade Compliance Officer, Germany

Welcome to Planet. We believe in using space to help life on Earth.

Planet designs, builds, and operates the largest constellation of imaging satellites in history. This constellation delivers an unprecedented dataset of empirical information via a revolutionary cloud-based platform to authoritative figures in commercial, environmental, and humanitarian sectors. We are both a space company and data company all rolled into one.

Customers and users across the globe use Planet's data to develop new technologies, drive revenue, power research, and solve our world’s toughest obstacles.

As we control every component of hardware design, manufacturing, data processing, and software engineering, our office is a truly inspiring mix of experts from a variety of domains.

We have a people-centric approach toward culture and community and we strive to iterate in a way that puts our team members first and prepares our company for growth. Join Planet and be a part of our mission to change the way people see the world.

Planet is a global company with employees working remotely world wide and joining us from offices in San Francisco, Washington DC, Germany, Austria, Slovenia, and The Netherlands.

About the Role: 

As the Trade Compliance Officer for Planet Labs Germany GmbH, you will be a member of the Planet’s International Trade Compliance (ITC) team within the global Legal organization and will have the opportunity to work on issues that may have large compliance and/or financial implications for the company.  You will routinely interface with engineers, supply chain, IT, security, sales, and other local and international personnel, as well as external counsel and vendors to mitigate compliance risks and support secure and efficient global trade operations.  The ideal candidate will be a seasoned international trade compliance professional with great judgment and attention to detail, who is comfortable making independent compliance decisions and consulting with a broader compliance team, as needed for support.  As Planet’s German Trade Compliance Officer, you will serve as the face of export control for Planet’s German manufacturing operations and make a significant contribution to the legally compliant and efficient implementation of international trade regulations and global standards.  

This is a full-time, hybrid role which will require you to work from our Berlin office or lab 3 days per week.

Impact You’ll Own:

• Serving as German Trade Compliance Officer and a trusted advisor to Planet’s legal and business teams.
• In coordination with Planet’s US ITC team and Planet policy, ensuring implementation of an effective Internal Compliance Programme (ICP) aligned with expectations of BAFA and the EU-Commission with adherence to national and EU export control laws and regulations.
• Serving as subject matter expert and ensuring company activities comply with national and EU export control laws and regulations, including but not limited to EU Dual-Use Regulation, German Foreign Trade Law (AWG/AWV), and the War Weapons Control Act (as applicable).
• Maintaining Planet’s registration in ELAN-K2 portal and preparing/submitting applications for individual and global authorizations in support of Planet business.
• Identifying and overseeing compliant use of German or EU General Authorizations.
• Owning full lifecycle/authorization management related to German/EU authorizations.
• Analyzing/documenting German/EU classification analysis applicable to Planet products and services and making licensing determinations to support business operations, including tracking new technology developments within the company.
• In consultation with the US ITC team, ensuring company operations comply with any applicable U.S. re-export controls (e.g., EAR/ITAR).
• Advising the business on international trade compliance requirements and developing strategic compliance plans to meet business objectives
• Interfacing with outside counsel/consultants related to non-US global trade controls. 
• Serving as interface with German and EU governmental bodies in support of Planet trade compliance initiatives.
• Reviewing and providing guidance on international trade compliance terms and conditions in proposals/contracts.
• Preparing/filing international trade compliance requests with German/EU authorities.
• Reviewing/approving visitor requests to ensure adherence to compliance requirements and Planet policy.
• Developing technology control plans to support compliant working of business operations and manufacturing.
• Preparing and conducting compliance trainings for employees to raise awareness of international trade compliance requirements.
• Managing the compliance review/gating process for international shipments.
• Drafting and preparing filings for government agencies, including license applications, regulatory notifications, and scheduled reporting.
• Ensuring company compliance with other international trade laws, including as relates to applicable sanctions and embargoes and anti-bribery/anti-corruption requirements, including supporting enhanced due diligence as needed.
• Continuously monitoring updates to export control regulations, sanctions/embargoes, and anti-bribery laws in Germany, the EU, and globally, and ensure internal processes are updated accordingly .
• Maintaining record retention and organization in accordance with Planet policy and regulatory requirements.
• Identifying risk areas and conducting other periodic compliance audits/assessments.
• Conducting compliance investigations and drafting summary of findings and voluntary disclosures, as applicable.

What You Bring:

• 10+ years of experience with German/EU export control law and professional experience in foreign trade
• Completion of university studies 
• Authorization to work with all levels of unclassified German/EU export-controlled technology/software/hardware without additional authorizations being required
• Professional working proficiency in German and English, the language of the company
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills, with experience working interculturally, cross-hierarchically, and cross-functionally
• Advanced analytical skills with an ability to work in a structured, high quality, and results-oriented manner
• Experience reading and interpreting complex trade regulations 
• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently with a careful, methodical approach
• Technical proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Ability to adapt style and use persuasion in delivering messaging
• Business acumen with an ability to navigate business processes and risks
• Ability to frequently advise others on complex matters
• Creative problem-solving and critical thinking skills 

What Makes You Stand Out:

• Experience serving as a Chief Export Control Officer for a German company, especially in the context of satellites, commercial and defense customers, earth observation, and AI/software analytics 
• Subject matter expert in German trade law/international trade compliance 
• Trade compliance certifications or legal/paralegal experience 
• Experience implementing an internal compliance program and providing strategic export compliance advice within a global satellite company
• Experience ensuring compliance with sanctions and anti-bribery laws in Europe
• Experience working with engineers or in a technical/aerospace environment
• Experience of working in a dynamic, startup environment

Application Deadline:

March 10, 2026 by 23:59 Pacific Time (11:59PM PT)

Export Control Requirements:

Planet Labs Germany GmbH is authorized to receive U.S. export-controlled information at Planet under an export license issued by the Bureau of Industry and Security. This position requires access to U.S. and German/EU export-controlled information, and as such, employment (or hiring of a contractor) is contingent upon the candidate’s ability to access all applicable export-controlled information without additional export licensing being required by German, EU, or U.S. authorities.

Benefits While Working at Planet:

These offerings are dependent on employment type and geographical location, based upon applicable law or company policy.

• Paid time off including vacation, holidays and company-wide days off 
• Employee Wellness Program 
• Home Office Reimbursement
• Monthly Phone and Internet Reimbursement
• Tuition Reimbursement and access to LinkedIn Learning
• Equity 
• Volunteering Paid Time Off

Why we care so much about Belonging. 
We’re dedicated to helping the whole Planet, and to do that we must strive to represent all of it within each of our offices and on all of our teams. That’s why Planet is guided by an ultimate north star of Belonging—dreaming big as we approach our ongoing work.  If this job intrigues you, but you’re thinking you might not have all the qualifications, please... do apply!  At Planet, we are looking for well-rounded people from around the world who can contribute to more ways than just what is listed in this job description.  We don’t just fill positions, we aspire to fulfill people’s careers, most excited about folks who are motivated by our underlying humanitarian efforts.  We are a few orbits around the sun before we get to where we want to be, so we hope you’re excited to come along for the ride. 

EEO statement:
Planet is committed to building a community where everyone belongs and we invite people from all backgrounds to apply. Planet is an equal opportunity employer, and committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, age, sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other protected classification, in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Know Your Rights.

Accommodations: 
Planet is an inclusive community and we know that everyone has their own needs. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation during the hiring process, please reach out to accommodations@planet.com or contact your recruiter with your request. Your message will be confidential and we will be happy to assist you.

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Privacy Policy (European Applicants): By clicking "Apply Now" at the top of this job posting, I acknowledge that I have read the Candidate Privacy Notice GDPR Planet Labs Europe, and hereby consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of my personal information as described therein.

AI in Our Interviewing Process: Planet is committed to providing an exceptional interview experience for all candidates. We are currently exploring AI interviewing technologies to better focus on candidates and less on trying to capture notes. As such, with the candidate's consent, select interviews may be recorded and include a Planet AI Notetaker for transcription and summarization purposes. Should an interview involve use of AI interview technologies, the candidate will receive notification and have the ability to opt out both in advance and/or real-time. Opting out will not affect one's candidacy.

Candidate AI Policy: Planet embraces Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools, and we encourage its responsible use. We understand that candidates may use various resources, including AI tools, to prepare for interviews and assessments. However, during any live interview stage or when actively completing assessments for this position, the use of AI tools—e.g. Large Language Models (LLMs), deep fake technology, etc.—is strictly prohibited unless explicitly prompted by an interviewer or assessment instructions. If you are unsure about acceptable use, please contact your recruiter for clarification. If an AI tool or similar technology is desired as an accommodation, please contact accommodations@planet.com with your request for assistance. Your message will be confidential, and we will be happy to assist you. Violation of this policy may result in disqualification of your application.