Trade Compliance Specialist

About the Position

As a key member of a collaborative, cross-functional team, the Export Compliance Specialist helps protect the company's ability to do business globally while supporting the success of colleagues across Operations, Engineering, Sales, Finance, HR, and IT. This position implements and manages risk mitigation strategies that guard the company against export and import control violations, ensuring the effective development, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Trade Compliance program, including training, process design, and proactive risk management. The Specialist works in close partnership with teams throughout the business to build practical, sustainable compliance practices that support both our regulatory obligations and our shared business goals.

Responsibilities

• Classification Controls: Control Export Control Classification determinations for products, export-controlled data, services, and any other items intended for export or import. Control tariff classification determinations for exported/imported hardware. Ensure records of all classification determinations are retained indefinitely.
• Export/Import License Management: Control the conditions that trigger export/import license (government authorization) requirements and exemption/exception determinations. Prepare, submit, and manage export/import licenses from applicable government authorities. Ensure affected employees and parties remain compliant with the scope of issued licenses.
• Export/Import Documentation: Review and correct commercial invoices, bills of lading, and customs declarations to ensure smooth shipment clearance, including proper references to license numbers, export classifications, tariff codes, and destination control statements. Control the processing of Electronic Export Information through the customs ACE portal.
• Broker Management: Coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to resolve shipping and clearance issues.
• Export Controlled Data Management: Control the identification, marking, security (access controls), and communication (verbal, virtual, in-person, visitor, electronic) of Export Controlled Data. Screen and clear visitors requiring facility access, including managing technology control measures as needed.
• Transaction Screening: Control the screening of shipments, returns, and other export/import transactions against Restricted Party Lists, prohibited end-use/end-user verifications, boycott requests, export license determinations, and transaction red flags. Send appropriate forms and certifications to end users for authorization and compliance confirmation. Determine whether end users, end uses, and destinations are eligible for export or re-export in accordance with applicable regulations. Exercise independent authority to request additional information or clarification regarding export transactions and authorizations.
• ATA Carnets: Apply for and manage ATA Carnets or other temporary export documentation for employees traveling outside the U.S. with company equipment or technical data.
• Integration of Trade Compliance: Coordinate with functional partners (Operations, Engineering, Sales, Finance, HR, IT) to integrate and adapt export compliance requirements into business processes and systems. Support customer, regulatory, and internal audits related to export and trade compliance. Support implementation of flow-down trade control requirements from customer contracts and purchase orders.
• Training: Develop training materials covering all components of the Trade Compliance Program, including an introduction to trade compliance. Determine training frequency, manage the training schedule, train all affected employees, and maintain training records. Maintain continuous awareness of regulatory changes and pursue self-development on best practices through professional trade compliance associations.
• Self-Assessments and Corrective Actions: Assess internal trade controls using a risk assessment matrix to record and quantify degrees and areas of risk. Communicate identified risk to senior leadership along with recommendations for improvement or corrective action. Consult with the corporate Director of Trade Compliance and senior leadership on recommended corrective actions, and collaborate on approaches, plans, and implementation.
• Investigations: Escalate material compliance risks, potential violations, and significant issues to leadership in a timely manner. Lead and coordinate cross-functional responses to compliance issues and investigations, ensuring actions are assigned, tracked to closure, and communicated to stakeholders. Support trade compliance development, initiatives, investigations, and audits as directed by the corporate Director of Trade Compliance. Report potential trade compliance violations and communications from government authorities related to investigations to the corporate Director of Trade Compliance.
• Program Communications: Provide regular updates on the health of the trade compliance program, project status, and the implications of regulatory changes and directives. Prepare, track, and communicate key performance indicators on trade controls to monitor processing time and issues.

Requirements

• Education: Associate's or bachelor's degree in supply chain, international trade, business, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of related export/trade compliance experience and/or training, preferably in the aerospace and defense industries.
• Knowledge: Expertise in export control laws and regulations, including ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and Customs Regulations.
• Skills: Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and cross-functional communication. Proficient project management and change management skills to effectively administer developments within the Trade Compliance Program. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret procedures, contracts, and government regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, clients, customers, and employees. Ability to solve practical problems and work with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagram, or schedule form. Strong computer skills, including proficiency with MS Office applications and relevant compliance/screening tools. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment and decision-making authority, particularly in compliance-related matters.

Nice to Have

• Preferred Certifications: ECoP EAR/ITAR Certification, or coursework through the Export Compliance Training Institute (ECTI).

We Offer

• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, as well as voluntary life/AD&D, voluntary critical illness, accident prevention and hospital indemnity
• 401K & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Employee Assistance Program & Wellness Program
• Generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays, and Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition Reimbursement Program

About the Company

Astronics Corporation (Nasdaq: ATRO) serves the world's aerospace, defense, and other mission critical industries with proven, innovative technology solutions. Astronics works side-by-side with customers, integrating its array of power, connectivity, lighting, structures, interiors, and test technologies to solve complex challenges. For over 50 years, Astronics has delivered creative, customer-focused solutions with exceptional responsiveness. Today, global airframe manufacturers, airlines, militaries, completion centers, and Fortune 500 companies rely on the collaborative spirit and innovation of Astronics. The Company's strategy is to increase its value by developing technologies and capabilities that provide innovative solutions to its targeted markets.

For more information on Astronics and its solutions, visit www.Astronics.com.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.