ITAR explained for job seekers: what 'U.S. person' really means

Why so many aerospace postings ask about citizenship, who actually qualifies, and what non-citizens can still apply for.

By Mars Mining Desk · Last reviewed Oct 21, 2026

Most U.S. rocket, satellite and defense-adjacent postings carry a line about “U.S. persons” because of ITAR, the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. ITAR limits who can see controlled technical data, and a lot of launch vehicle and spacecraft engineering is controlled. This isn’t legal advice. It is what the regulation and the government’s own guidance say, which is more than most job posts explain.

Start with the definition. Under 22 CFR 120.62, a U.S. person includes a lawful permanent resident and a “protected individual” under immigration law, a category the Justice Department notes includes refugees and asylees. Citizens count too, since the rule excludes only foreign persons. That’s why SpaceX’s internship page lists citizens, permanent residents, refugees and asylees together. If you hold a green card, or you’re a refugee or asylee, you’re inside the line.

People on student or work visas generally are not, and that’s the hard part for international students. But “generally” matters. The Covington analysis points out that both ITAR and its commercial cousin, the EAR, allow licenses and exceptions, so foreign nationals can sometimes work on controlled technology. Employers may choose not to seek a license. Many startups won’t.

Employers also aren’t allowed to be stricter than the rule. The Justice Department’s civil rights division has warned employers that excluding refugees and asylees on the assumption that ITAR means “citizens only” can be illegal citizenship-status discrimination. A posting that says “U.S. citizens only” without a real clearance or contract reason deserves a second look.

What to do with this

If you’re a U.S. person, say so plainly on your résumé or application where asked. It removes a question a recruiter would otherwise have to ask.

If you’re not, aim your search where ITAR bites least. Pure software, AI and data roles at companies whose product isn’t a controlled article are the obvious targets; our AI roles guide shows where those cluster. Robotics companies building warehouse or consumer machines are another. Our board’s robotics filter is a starting list. NASA also points international students to separate international internship pages, since its OSTEM internships require citizenship.

Our view: ITAR is the single biggest structural barrier in this industry for international talent, and it’s poorly explained in postings. Read the regulation once. It’s one paragraph.

What would change our mind: export-control reform that narrows what counts as controlled technical data for commercial launch and satellite work. That would reshape hiring faster than any diversity program.

Not affiliated with NASA, SpaceX or any agency or company mentioned. Not investment advice. Disclaimer.