Trade Compliance Specialist

The Trade Compliance Specialist prepares, manages, and tracks export compliance documentation in support of programs shipping large volumes of defense articles internationally. This role works closely with engineering, compliance, and legal team to ensure proper classification of hardware/software and compliant documentation for each program. This role will be working closely with the engineering team to apply Corporate and Directorate of Defense Trade Controls policies, standards and regulatory requirements onto the organization, establishing proper controls and compliance efficiencies.

The role requires knowledge of export and import trade compliance rules and regulations including ITAR, EAR, ECCN, OFAC, and USML.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform export classifications (ECCN, USML, HTS codes).

• Draft program-level export documentation in collaboration with engineering.

• Support the preparation of shipping paperwork (EEI, SLI, commercial invoices, packing lists).

• Conduct denied party and embargo screening.

• Maintain export documentation in compliance with audit requirements.

• Support training of engineering and program staff on compliance best practices.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

• 3–5 years of trade compliance experience.

• Strong knowledge of ECCN, USML, ITAR/EAR, and OFAC screening.

• Experience preparing export compliance documentation, requests, supporting forms.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified Export Specialist (CES) or similar credential.

• Experience in defense/aerospace manufacturing environment.

• Ability to mentor junior compliance support staff.

For candidates based in San Luis Obispo, California, the annual base salary range for this role is $90,000-115,000/year USD. The final compensation package will be determined based on factors including but not limited to experience, skills, qualifications, and internal pay equity.