Trade Compliance Specialist III

Job Summary

The Trade Compliance Specialist III is responsible for administering and supporting the Company's export and import compliance program while exercising independent judgment on complex trade compliance matters. Responsibilities include interpretation of U.S. and international trade regulations, oversight of import/export transactions, government licensing, trade compliance recordkeeping, cross-functional coordination, mentoring junior personnel, and supporting continuous compliance improvements. May stop and hold transactions pending compliance review.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support in administering site export and import compliance programs.
• Analyze complex import/export transactions for compliance with ITAR, EAR, OFAC, Customs Regulations, FTR, and anti-boycott regulations.
• Review restricted party screening, end-user/end-use reviews, Know Your Counterparty documentation, and red flag analysis.
• Prepare, submit, and manage export licenses, permits, ATA Carnets, and other government authorizations.
• Perform HTS classification, ECCN review, customs valuation, country of origin determinations, and duty analysis.
• Review and approve international shipping documentation including commercial invoices, packing lists, air waybills, INCOTERMS®, HTS classifications, ECCNs, and export classifications.
• Manage customs brokers and freight forwarders, including performance, issue resolution, and compliance oversight.
• Support USMCA qualification, certification, and origin requirements.
• Support cross-border U.S./Mexico trade activities and Mexico manufacturing operations.
• Analyze contracts, purchase orders, and sales orders for trade compliance risk.
• Produce reports using ERP/MRP and trade compliance systems.
• Partner with Engineering, Shipping, Supply Chain, Sales, Operations, Purchasing, Logistics, Contracts, and Production Control.
• Monitor trade compliance recordkeeping and assist with audits, procedure updates, and regulatory changes.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to Trade Compliance Administrators and other team members.
• Maintain the highest ethical standards and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Strong computer skills including ability to transact orders in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) information systems, perform spreadsheet calculations, and quickly learn new software tools.
• Advanced knowledge of ITAR, EAR, OFAC, Customs Regulations, FTR, HTS classification, duty analysis, and anti-boycott regulations.
• Experience managing customs brokers, freight forwarders, and international logistics providers.
• Strong analytical, communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced proficiency with ERP/MRP systems, Microsoft Excel, and trade compliance software.
• Ability to interpret regulations and independently resolve complex trade compliance issues.

Kirkhill, Inc. Competencies

• Customer Focus - Knows and understands the needs of internal and external customers. Is results oriented and works hard to consistently provide exceptional service.
• Ethics and Values - Adheres to an effective set of core values and beliefs and acts in accordance. Rewards the right values and disapproves of others.
• Problem Solving - Looks beyond the obvious to find effective solutions.
• Integrity and Trust - Widely trusted and seen as direct and truthful.
• Functional/Technical Skills - Possesses the skills to be effective in the job. Has the skills to perform the job at a high level of accomplishment.
• Listening - Practices active and attentive listening, able to hear others.
• Action-oriented - Full of energy, willing to take action.
• Composure - Cool under pressure, not knocked off balance by the unexpected, is a settling influence.
• Values Diversity - Supports fair and equal treatment for all.

Education/Previous Experience Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, International Trade, Supply Chain, Engineering, Law, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5–8 years of progressively responsible trade compliance experience in aerospace, defense, or another regulated manufacturing environment.
• Strong import compliance experience including U.S. Customs regulations, HTS classification, and duty analysis.
• Experience with ITAR/EAR export licensing, license applications, exemptions/exceptions, and export authorization management.
• Working knowledge of USMCA qualification, certification, and origin requirements.
• Cross-border U.S./Mexico trade experience.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and trade compliance software.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Engineering, Shipping, Supply Chain, Sales, and Operations

Preferred

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Experience supporting Mexico manufacturing operations (IMMEX preferred).
• Experience with OCR EASE or similar trade compliance software.
• Professional trade compliance certifications are preferred but not required.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 10% travel, including travel to Mexico and domestic locations for training, compliance support, audits, meetings, and business operations.

Certifications/Licenses

• No licenses or certifications are required

Kirkhill, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. All successful candidates must submit to post offer pre-employment physical examination, drug/alcohol screen and background check as a condition of employment.