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Trade Compliance Specialist - Defense Search

OVERVIEW

Are you looking for a new career opportunity with an exciting Defense/Aerospace company?! Then we've got the right team for you! In this role, you're responsible for the duties listed below.

Immediate opening for a Trade Compliance Specialist in Brea, CA who possesses:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Supply Chain, Engineering, Law, or a related field
• 5+ years of progressively responsible trade compliance experience in aerospace, defense, or another regulated manufacturing environment
• Experience with ITAR/EAR export licensing, license applications, exemptions/exceptions, and export authorization management
• Cross-border U.S./Mexico trade experience; IMMEX experience preferred

FULL DESCRIPTION: We are seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to administer and support export and import compliance activities within an aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. This permanent role is responsible for interpreting U.S. and international trade regulations, reviewing import/export transactions, managing government licensing and authorizations, supporting trade compliance recordkeeping, coordinating cross-functionally, mentoring junior personnel, and supporting continuous compliance improvements. The ideal candidate will have strong ITAR, EAR, OFAC, customs, HTS, ECCN, USMCA, and U.S./Mexico cross-border trade experience, along with the ability to exercise independent judgment on complex trade compliance matters.

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

• Administering and supporting site export and import compliance programs
• Acting as a liaison during the Trade Compliance Manager's absence as needed
• Analyzing complex import and export transactions for compliance with ITAR, EAR, OFAC, Customs Regulations, FTR, and anti-boycott regulations
• Reviewing restricted party screening, end-user and end-use reviews, Know Your Counterparty documentation, and red flag analysis
• Preparing, submitting, and managing export licenses, permits, ATA Carnets, and other government authorizations
• Performing HTS classification, ECCN review, customs valuation, country-of-origin determinations, and duty analysis
• Reviewing and approving international shipping documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, air waybills, INCOTERMS, HTS classifications, ECCNs, and export classifications
• Managing customs brokers and freight forwarders, including performance, issue resolution, and compliance oversight
• Supporting USMCA qualification, certification, and origin requirements
• Supporting cross-border U.S./Mexico trade activities and Mexico manufacturing operations
• Analyzing contracts, purchase orders, and sales orders for trade compliance risk
• Producing reports using ERP/MRP and trade compliance systems
• Partnering with Engineering, Shipping, Supply Chain, Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Logistics, Contracts, and Production Control
• Monitoring trade compliance recordkeeping
• Assisting with audits, procedure updates, and regulatory changes
• Mentoring and providing technical guidance to Trade Compliance Administrators and other team members
• Exercising authority to stop or hold transactions pending compliance review as needed
• Answering compliance questions related to specific orders, shipments, and documentation
• Coordinating with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and internal stakeholders
• Maintaining the highest ethical standards
• Performing other duties as assigned

The selected candidate will also possess:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Supply Chain, Engineering, Law, or a related field required; equivalent experience may be considered
• 5+ years of progressively responsible trade compliance experience required
• Aerospace, defense, or regulated manufacturing experience required
• Strong import compliance experience required
• Experience with U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification, and duty analysis required
• Experience with ITAR/EAR export licensing, license applications, exemptions/exceptions, and export authorization management required
• Advanced knowledge of ITAR, EAR, OFAC, Customs Regulations, FTR, HTS classification, duty analysis, and anti-boycott regulations required
• Working knowledge of USMCA qualification, certification, and origin requirements required
• Cross-border U.S./Mexico trade experience required
• Experience supporting Mexico manufacturing operations preferred
• IMMEX experience preferred
• Experience managing customs brokers, freight forwarders, and international logistics providers required
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and trade compliance software required
• Advanced proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Excel, and trade compliance software preferred
• OCR EASE or similar trade compliance software experience preferred
• Strong computer skills with the ability to transact orders in ERP or MRP systems, perform spreadsheet calculations, and quickly learn new software tools
• Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to interpret regulations and independently resolve complex trade compliance issues
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Shipping, Supply Chain, Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Logistics, Contracts, and Production Control
• Ability to mentor junior trade compliance personnel
• Bilingual English and Spanish skills preferred but not required
• Professional trade compliance certifications preferred but not required
• Strong ethical judgment and attention to detail
• Ability to work onsite in Brea, CA
• Ability to work Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
• Ability to travel approximately 10%, including Mexico and domestic travel for training, compliance support, audits, meetings, and business operations
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• No sponsorship available

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit and work at a computer for extended periods while reviewing trade compliance records, export/import documentation, ERP/MRP data, spreadsheets, regulations, classifications, licenses, and reports
• Ability to communicate by phone, email, video meeting, and in person throughout the workday
• Ability to review commercial invoices, packing lists, air waybills, purchase orders, sales orders, contracts, licenses, permits, compliance records, and computer screens for extended periods
• Ability to use hands and fingers for typing, data entry, documentation, reporting, recordkeeping, and standard office tasks
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout office, manufacturing, shipping, warehouse, or operational areas as needed
• Ability to occasionally lift, carry, or move standard office files, documents, or business materials as needed
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, including Mexico, as needed for audits, compliance support, meetings, training, and business operations
• Ability to work in aerospace, defense, manufacturing, shipping, or warehouse environments while following applicable safety procedures
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment as needed when entering manufacturing, warehouse, shipping, or operational areas

Salary Range: $110,000 to $140,000/year
More information can be found at www.defensesearchusa.com.

Defense Search is a specialized recruiting and staffing firm dedicated exclusively to the defense & aerospace industry. We place candidates on a contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire basis.