Customs & Foreign Trade Manager

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.  
 
You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country. 

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Customs & Foreign Trade Manager to join the company to support international logistics programs.

What You’ll Do

• Own the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of PDW’s global trade, export compliance, and international logistics program supporting commercial, U.S. Government, and allied defense customers, with accountability for compliance, operational performance, and alignment with company objectives.
• Develop and implement companywide trade compliance strategies, governance policies, and operating standards, shaping business decisions involving international markets, customer commitments, and supply chain activities.
• Lead regulatory export audits and complex investigations, independently evaluate compliance risks and business implications, and establish corrective actions that address root causes and strengthen controls across the organization.
• Oversee domestic and international shipments of UAS, payloads, batteries, spare parts, and technical data, establishing controls and resolving complex transportation and compliance issues involving ITAR, EAR, customs, and hazardous materials requirements.
• Coordinate permanent and temporary exports, imports, reimports, and international Return Material Authorizations (RMAs), including shipments to and from U.S. military installations, overseas bases, embassies, and international customer locations.
• Lead trade and logistics planning for international demonstrations, military exercises, trade shows, customer training, and field support activities, identifying authorization requirements and resolving complex constraints to enable compliant execution.
• Establish and maintain controls to address applicable DDTC, BIS, CBP, OFAC, and hazardous materials requirements; assess program effectiveness and lead remediation of compliance gaps.
• Define provider qualification criteria and performance standards; select and manage freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international logistics providers, with accountability for secure, compliant, reliable, and cost-effective transportation of defense articles and hazardous materials.
• Serve as PDW’s internal subject matter expert on customs and foreign trade, leading cross-functional resolution of complex regulatory issues with Legal, Compliance, Security, Supply Chain, and Program teams. Communicate risks, options, and recommendations to leadership and guide alignment on export authorizations, government inquiries, and international business activities.
• Evaluate changes in U.S. export regulations, assess their implications for PDW’s operations and growth plans, and lead implementation of necessary policy, process, and system changes.
• Own the processes and controls governing export licensing, denied party screening, AES filings, and recordkeeping; establish evaluation criteria, monitor effectiveness, and drive improvements in compliance and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain, Business, International Trade, Logistics, or a related field.
• Minimum 12 years of related experience including progressively responsible work in customs, foreign trade, export compliance, or international logistics.
• Demonstrated experience selecting and managing freight forwarders, customs brokers, and carriers, and independently resolving complex shipment and regulatory issues with government agencies supporting international defense shipments.
• Deep expertise in ITAR-regulated environments, including global trade compliance, customs operations, import/export processes, and the application of relevant EAR, sanctions, and hazardous materials requirements.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing trade compliance strategies, policies, and controls, with accountability for program effectiveness and corrective actions.
• Ability to independently evaluate complex trade risks, communicate business implications to leadership, and influence decisions across technical, operational, and business teams.
• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a U.S. Secret security clearance or higher, as required.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, International Trade, Logistics, or a related field.
• Customs Brokerage License or equivalent level of experience.
• Experience building or scaling a global trade compliance and international logistics program in a growing defense, aerospace, or similarly regulated manufacturing organization.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may require occasional travel.  This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8a-5p with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
• Paid Parental Leave.
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL and Denver, CO locations.
• Employer provided life insurance.
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP).
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.