Export Controls Program Manager

Career Area:

Legal and Compliance

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live.

Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Join Caterpillar’s Industrial Power Systems Division as a Defense Export Controls Program Manager, leading global export controls and trade compliance for Caterpillar Defense. This role combines strategic oversight, technical expertise, and cross-functional collaboration to ensure compliance with U.S. and U.K. regulations, particularly in support of government contracts and defense-related operations. In addition to export controls, the role may expand to support other compliance risk areas such as anti-bribery/anti-corruption, fair competition, and customs.

While deep expertise in U.S. export controls is essential, the successful candidate will also support aspects of UK and broader international defense export control compliance. Prior UK specific experience is beneficial but not required.

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the Caterpillar Defense Export Compliance Program in alignment with the Enterprise Export Controls Compliance Program.
• Define and execute long-term compliance strategies that support Caterpillar’s defense business objectives.
• Develop and deliver training programs to promote awareness and accountability across the organization.

Technical Compliance & Operations

• Conduct end-use/user due diligence, including restricted party screening and military end-use assessments.
• Prepare and submit export license applications to BIS, DDTC, OFAC, and other regulatory bodies.
• Maintain and enforce Technology Control Plans, including employee training and protocol adherence.
• Oversee ECCN/USML classification of products and technologies.
• Implement tools and systems to automate and improve compliance processes.

Risk Management & Governance

• Identify and mitigate compliance risks; conduct self-assessments and support internal/external audits.
• Liaise with and support internal audit teams during export controls and other compliance-related audits.
• Contribute to enterprise-wide policy development and ensure alignment with global standards.
• Monitor and report compliance metrics to leadership using data-driven insights.
• Support additional compliance areas such as anti-bribery/anti-corruption, fair competition, and customs as needed.

Global Coordination & Collaboration

• Liaise with corporate trade compliance teams and other Caterpillar divisions.
• Coordinate with international teams to ensure compliance with non-U.S. export control laws (e.g., UK, EU).
• Advise on cross-border projects, joint ventures, and technology transfers.

• Education/
  
  Experience:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Experience with U.S. Export Control regulations (EAR, ITAR, OFAC). Export certifications (e.g., CUSECO, CIP, CES, ECoP).
• Process Management: Knowledge of business process improvement tools and techniques; ability to understand, monitor, update, control, or enhance existing business or work processes.
• Risk Management: Knowledge of processes, tools and techniques for assessing and controlling an organization's exposure to risks of various kinds; ability to apply knowledge of risk management appropriately to diverse situations.
• Analytical Thinking: Knowledge of techniques and tools that promote effective analysis; ability to determine the root cause of organizational problems and create alternative solutions that resolve these problems.
• Audit and Compliance Function: Knowledge of major responsibilities and tasks of Audit and Compliance (A&C) function; ability to manage the operation of A&C function in various business environments.
• Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit,…