VP, Legal & Compliance

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace (KDA), a division of Kongsberg Gruppen, is a global leader in advanced technology solutions for the defense, aerospace, and maritime sectors. The company develops a wide range of integrated systems, including missile defense, air defense, naval systems, autonomous vehicles, and aerospace solutions. KDA's products support military operations, national security, and commercial industries, with a focus on cutting-edge technologies like unmanned systems, surveillance, and cybersecurity. Their systems are designed to enhance operational effectiveness, reliability, and safety in complex environments.

With a strong emphasis on innovation, integration, and sustainability, Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace delivers high-performance solutions to customers worldwide. KDA's commitment to quality and long-term value makes it a trusted partner for defense, aerospace, and commercial organizations seeking reliable, next-generation technology solutions. Headquartered in Northern Virginia with operations globally in Australia and Norway, the team is quickly growing to support the unique mission of its customers.

A critical component of Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace's strategy is to globalize, commercialize, and scale its U.S. operations. In 2024, KDA appointed Heather Armentrout as U.S. President and General Manager to lead this effort. A major focus is formalizing U.S. operations and strengthening leadership with proven experience in defense industry transformation. While a significant portion of the company's human capital remains in Norway, the U.S. presence is rapidly expanding, requiring scaling of the workforce and diversification of programs domestically. Compliance with Special Security Agreement (SSA) requirements is a key operational priority. The Head of Compliance will be central to developing, implementing, and overseeing SSA governance, managing regulatory obligations, and ensuring alignment with both U.S. and Norwegian legal frameworks. This role will support executive leadership and the SSA board in maintaining robust compliance, enabling sustainable growth and operational integrity across the U.S. business.

As Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace (KDA) continues to expand its U.S. footprint, the company is seeking a VP, Legal & Compliance with deep experience in defense contracting and foreign ownership compliance frameworks. This leader will play a central role in operationalizing Kongsberg's Special Security Agreement (SSA), building a robust legal and governance infrastructure, and ensuring alignment with U.S. national security requirements while enabling strategic growth.

Reporting to the U.S. President, this person will drive cross-border compliance initiatives, lead internal change management, and serve as a key liaison between U.S. and Norwegian leadership. This role will directly shape Kongsberg's ability to scale securely and sustainably within the U.S. defense industrial base.

The critical attributes for the Head of Compliance of KDA will include:

• Proven track record in compliance, legal operations, or security governance within U.S. defense contracting.
• Hands-on experience with SSA, FOCI mitigation, ITAR/EAR, and DCSA compliance frameworks.
• Familiarity with the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) required under the SSA, with experience supporting drafting, periodic updates, and cross-functional coordination for submission to DCSA.
• Adept at leading cross-functional change and embedding operational governance systems.
• Strong communicator and cultural translator — comfortable operating across U.S. and European (especially Norwegian) leadership structures.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate legal and security requirements into scalable, day-to-day business practices.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, with preference for candidates who have worked in matrixed, global environments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of Kongsberg's Special Security Agreement (SSA), including governance documentation, training programs, and visitation/access controls.
• Serve as the U.S. point of contact for compliance across four domains: commercial, human rights, trade, and data privacy.
• Develop and execute change management strategies to align U.S. and Norwegian operations with SSA obligations.
• Lead updates and revisions to the AOP as required, including stakeholder coordination, document management, and timeline oversight for DCSA-related compliance.
• Maintain and update U.S. governance frameworks, coordinating closely with stakeholders in both the U.S. and Norway.
• Collaborate with legal, HR, operations, and executive leadership to ensure secure and compliant business practices.
• Support ongoing compliance screening of suppliers, partners, and third-party relationships in line with company policy and U.S. regulatory expectations.
• Serve as Secretary to the SSA Board, supporting Board governance activities and contributing to the evolution of the Company's long-term SSA compliance framework.

Required Experience, Education and Skills:

• 15+ years of professional experience, with at least 10 years in compliance, legal, governance, or security roles within U.S. government contracting or defense industry. Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree (JD, MBA, MS in Security/Compliance) preferred.
• Direct experience leading or supporting Special Security Agreements (SSA) and FOCI mitigation activities in a foreign-owned U.S. defense contractor environment.
• Proven ability to draft and submit Annual Operating Plans (AOP) to DCSA, with strong knowledge of NISPOM, DCSA oversight, and SSA Board governance.
• Strong familiarity with U.S. regulatory regimes including I TAR, EAR, DFARS, and export compliance frameworks.
• Experience building and formalizing internal compliance programs across commercial, human rights, trade, and data privacy domains.
• Exceptional cross-functional collaboration and change management skills across legal, HR, operations, and executive leadership.
• Track record leading training, internal communications, and cultural integration between U.S. and European business units.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience authoring regulatory submissions, policy documents, and board reports.
• Eligibility for U.S. DOD Secret clearance required; TS/SCI clearance preferred.

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Pre-employment Requirements:

KDA, Inc. requires all candidates to successfully complete a pre‑employment physical, drug and alcohol screening, and a background investigation as part of the hiring process.

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Health savings account

Life insurance

Paid time off

Referral program

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Schedule:

980 schedule

Hybrid

Ability to commute/relocate:

Alexandria, VA: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required).