Director Legal & Compliance (m/f/d)

Role Overview 

We are seeking a Director Legal & Compliance to build and lead our legal and compliance function. This role is both strategic and hands-on. You will be responsible for ensuring legal resilience, regulatory compliance, and governance excellence in a highly regulated defense environment. 

You will serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO, Board, and executive team and shape the company’s legal and compliance architecture in alignment with German and EU law. 

 

Key Responsibilities 

1. Corporate & Governance 

• Establish and continuously improve corporate governance structures for a German GmbH (and future European subsidiaries)
• Advise management and supervisory/advisory bodies
• Oversee shareholder matters, financing rounds, and ESOP/VSOP programs
• Ensure documentation readiness for due diligence and future exit scenarios

2. Defense & Public Procurement Law 

Advise on German and EU procurement law, in particular:

•  German defense procurement framework (e.g. VSVgV)
• EU Defence and Security Procurement Directive (Directive 2009/81/EC)
• Structure participation in public tenders and negotiated procedures
• Support contract negotiations with governmental customers
• Advise on classified procurement processes 

3. Export Control & Security Compliance 

Ensure compliance with:

• German Foreign Trade and Payments Act (AWG) & Regulation (AWV)
• EU Dual-Use Regulation (EU) 2021/821
• Military list regulations
• Coordinate export licensing processes
• Build internal export control compliance systems
• Oversee classified information protection (Geheimschutz) and security clearance coordination 

 4. Compliance & Risk Management 

• Develop and implement a risk-based compliance management system (CMS) 
   Ensure compliance with: 
•  Anti-corruption and anti-bribery laws
• German Criminal Code (relevant corporate liability risks)
• German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG), where applicable
• Establish whistleblowing systems (HinSchG compliant)

 5. Data Protection & Cyber Resilience 

• Oversee GDPR compliance
• Coordinate with IT/security teams regarding legal cybersecurity obligations
• Advise on regulatory frameworks like e.g. NIS2 implications (where applicable)
• Structure data processing agreements and secure data architecture 

 6. Commercial & IP 

Draft and negotiate:

•  Development agreements
• Supply agreements
• NDA and teaming agreements
• Technology licensing agreements
• Protect company IP (patents, trade secrets, designs)
• Structure IP strategy aligned with defense secrecy and export controls 

 7. Strategic & Investor Interface 

• Serve as primary legal interface to investors, auditors, and regulatory authorities
• Support fundraising and strategic partnerships
• Prepare governance framework suitable for future joint ventures with defense primes 

 

Qualifications 

• Fully qualified German lawyer (Volljurist/in, 1. + 2. Staatsexamen, vollbefriedend oder besser)
• 8+ years of experience in Defense industry, aerospace, or highly regulated industry either in a Law firm or in-house legal department
• Strong knowledge of: German corporate law (GmbHG), Public procurement law (preferably defense sector), Export control and dual-use regulation and Compliance systems implementation
• Fluency in English & German
• Experience building structures in a growth-stage company
• Experience with classified government projects and/or Knowledge of NATO procurement structures would be considered a plus
• Familiarity with EU regulatory frameworks would be considered a plus
• Experience in M&A or VC-backed environments would be considered a plus

 

 

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• A shaping role in an emerging dual use company
• Opportunity to work with a highly innovative, international, and dynamic team
• Room for professional growth and development
• Participation in the company's success, with access to regular events, knowledge exchange and meetups

 

 

About us

ARX is a dual-use technology company that specializes in developing autonomous unmanned systems and sensors for the European defence sector. Our dual-use unmanned ground systems and sensors assist NATO Armies and civilian first responders in tackling their most challenging problems by providing them with training and information to make better decisions and take effective actions in life-or-death situations.

As our team continues to expand rapidly, we are seeking motivated candidates who are excited to work in a highly energetic, creative, and innovative team dedicated to developing autonomous systems for challenging environments. We operate in a dynamic sector where collaboration, sharing innovative ideas, and developing novel problem-solving strategies are ingrained in our work culture.

If you are passionate about overcoming challenges that have a real impact on the security of our democracies, apply here to join ARX and help shape the future of dual-use technology! 
 
In addition to a competitive salary package, we offer the opportunity to participate in the company's success. ARX is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

You can find ARX Robotics Applicant Privacy Policy here.