Trade Compliance Specialist

Salary: $95,000 – $125,000 annually

Work Type: Onsite

Locations: Santa Ana, CA or Pennsauken, NJ

The Trade Compliance Specialist supports the company’s international trade compliance activities, with a focus on effective implementation and management of programs under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

This role ensures adherence to all applicable U.S. export and import regulations and oversees the development and maintenance of compliance policies and procedures with oversight from senior management. The position provides regulatory guidance, manages required filings, ensures accurate recordkeeping, and oversees trade compliance training across the organization to reduce the risk of violations and support global trade operations.

• Provide oversight for trade compliance activities in accordance with U.S. and international regulations
• Prepare, review and submit export and other license applications and documentation, including end-use statements
• Verify and approve export shipping documentation and implement export holds as necessary
• Maintain and analyze records and generate reports within trade compliance and ERP/MRP systems
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure all import and export activities are compliant
• Conduct trade compliance training and provide regulatory updates to relevant personnel
• Develop, update, and implement export/import compliance procedures and work instructions
• Provide guidance on compliance matters related to technology transfers, visitors, international travel, data security, and related activities
• Review and validate export and customs classifications (HTS, ECCN, Schedule B) for parts, materials, data, and services
• Lead and support internal audits to assess the effectiveness of trade compliance controls
• Ensure adherence to company ethics and business conduct policies
• Perform other related duties as assigned and follow company rules and procedures

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, Law, Engineering, or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, including at least 2 years in U.S. export control program management

• Strong knowledge of U.S. trade compliance laws and regulations, including EAR, ITAR, OFAC, FTR, and U.S. Customs regulations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with ERP/MRP systems for compliance transactions and reporting
• Knowledge of international trade documentation, including commercial invoices, packing lists, air waybills, and export licenses
• Understanding of INCOTERMS, country of origin rules, customs valuation, and classification processes
• High ethical standards and commitment to compliance integrity
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to explain complex compliance topics to diverse audiences
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to work independently under time-sensitive conditions
• Effective in supporting remote teams across multiple sites
• Adaptable to evolving regulatory, customer, and company requirements
• Exceptional attention to detail, planning, and organizational skills
• Willingness to learn and take initiative in a dynamic environment
• Technical background or experience in DoD security, controlled technical information, or corporate compliance is a plus

• Company-specific product training and ongoing trade compliance training
• Occasional travel (less than 10%) to support training and audits

To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including ITAR, candidates must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

The employee is regularly required to sit; use hands; talk and hear; stand; walk; reach; stoop; and kneel. The role involves lifting up to 10 pounds regularly, up to 25 pounds frequently, and up to 50 pounds occasionally with assistance. Vision requirements include close vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

This role involves a mix of office, shop floor, field, and customer locations. Potential exposure includes static electricity, fumes, airborne particles, outdoor weather conditions, and moderate to occasionally high noise levels. Office environments are climate controlled.

Airborne Systems is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.