Trade Compliance Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

The Trade Compliance Specialist is responsible for building, leading, and continuously improving the company’s U.S. trade compliance program to ensure full adherence with ITAR, EAR, and OFAC. As an Empowered Official of the company, the Trade Compliance Specialist owns export/import authorizations, sanctions compliance, training, investigations, and audit readiness, and serves as the principal interface to DDTC, BIS, and OFAC. The information below is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for this position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the company’s Empowered Official (EO) under ITAR with signatory authority for binding compliance statements and authorizations.
• Design, implement, and continuously improve the company’s trade compliance program, including department policies, procedures, development of role-based training, regulatory monitoring, and communication of updates to ensure alignment with business and customer requirements.
• Maintain the recordkeeping system for export, import, and sanctions compliance, ensuring retention, traceability, and audit-ready documentation.
• Serve as the primary point of contact when it comes to jurisdiction and classification of products, software, and technical data under USML and ECCN, including technology transfer determinations.
• Prepare, submit, and track DSP licenses, MLAs, TAAs, reexports, retransfers, exceptions, exemptions, and BIS licenses through DECCS/SNAP-R; coordinate OFAC license activities.
• Oversee Technology Control Plans (TCPs), Electronic Communications Plans (ECPs), visit controls, and data segregation for secure collaboration.
• Approve exports, technology releases, and international shipments; oversee AES filings, ACE entries, and CBP import compliance.
• Coordinate with prime contractors and subcontractors to ensure compliant flow-downs across proposals, contracts, purchasing, manufacturing, and sustainment.
• Maintain the company’s sanctions compliance program from end-to-end, including risk assessments, screening protocols, restricted party management, and interdiction workflows.
• Lead Denied Party Screening (DPS), end-use and end-user due diligence, and escalation of red flags across suppliers, customers, and partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact during government, customer, and internal compliance audits, including coordination of responses, corrective actions, and voluntary self-disclosures when warranted.
• Advise senior leadership on export control and sanctions implications for business initiatives, partnerships, and mergers or acquisitions.
• Partner with the FSO and Government Security Committee (GSC) to ensure alignment with classified program and FOCI mitigation requirements.
• Collaborate with international affiliates to ensure compliance with both U.S. and foreign export control regimes.
• Maintain coordination related to aspects of licensing the import and export of aircraft, parts, and equipment in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and government agency guidelines (ITAR, EAR, CBP, ATF).
• Perform related duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND/OR QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be eligible to serve as an Empowered Official under ITAR and demonstrate experience as an EO or in direct EO support.
• Must have hands-on experience with DECCS, SNAP-R, ACE/AES, and full lifecycle management of DSPs, MLAs, TAAs, and commodity classifications.
• Must have proven experience leading audits, investigations, voluntary disclosures, and recordkeeping systems.
• Must possess excellent working knowledge of firearms and munitions licensing regulations.
• Proficient in the English language with proven ability to effectively communicate and collaborate across all levels of the organization, and with customers, both written and verbally.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Must be able to work independently while managing multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Must demonstrate safe and healthy workplace practices.
• Must be able to work nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Must be able to travel within the US and internationally.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of the Trade Compliance Specialist in daily work performance.
• Must be a U.S. citizen with ability to access export-controlled information.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance; active clearance preferred.
• Must be able to obtain a Common Access Card (CAC) and not be barred from any installation.

EDUCATION AND/OR WORK EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years of progressive responsibility in ITAR, EAR, and OFAC compliance within defense, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing is required.
• Bachelor’s degree in international trade, or related field, preferred.
• Professional certifications such as CUSECO®, CITAR®, or ECoP®, preferred.
• Familiarity with CBP import compliance and ATF licensing for controlled hardware, preferred.
• Experience supporting classified programs and secure collaboration environments (TCP/ECP, data segregation), preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit for extended periods of time while working at a computer.
• Ability to work in an office, or hybrid environment, with standard lighting, noise levels and climate conditions.
• Ability to work on occasion in a hangar, or warehouse environment.
• May work around standard industrial hazards, proper PPE provided.
• Ability to safely lift 50 pounds independently.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the role.

SPECIAL WORK CONDITIONS

• This role is located in person in Mesa, AZ
• Relocation Assistance may be applicable