Trade Compliance Specialist

Career Area:

Legal and Compliance

Job Description:

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other.  We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

SPM Oil & Gas, a Caterpillar Company, is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to support and enhance its global trade compliance program. In this role, you will serve as a key resource for customs, import/export compliance, Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) administration, product classification, and trade controls activities across the organization.

The successful candidate will partner closely with internal stakeholders, customs brokers, logistics teams, legal counsel, and Caterpillar's Trade Center of Excellence to ensure compliance with U.S. and international trade regulations while supporting business objectives and operational efficiency.

This role is ideal for a highly analytical and motivated trade compliance professional who enjoys problem-solving, working across multiple functions, and continuously expanding their expertise in the global trade compliance field.

What You Will Do

Trade Compliance & Customs

• Support and administer import and export compliance activities across the business.
• Partner with customs brokers and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance with U.S. Customs and international trade regulations.
• Support customs audits, reviews, and reporting requirements while identifying opportunities for process improvements.
• Assist with duty drawback activities and identify opportunities for duty savings and recovery.

Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Administration

• Support the administration and operational oversight of Foreign Trade Zone activities.
• Evaluate FTZ processes and controls and recommend opportunities to improve compliance, efficiency, and reporting accuracy.
• Assist with FTZ audits, reconciliations, and operational assessments.

Product Classification & Export Controls

• Support HTS and ECCN classification reviews and documentation.
• Assist in determining export licensing requirements, license exceptions, and other trade authorization requirements.
• Review transactions for trade compliance risks, including sanctioned parties, restricted destinations, end-users, and end-use concerns.
• Work with internal and external subject matter experts to resolve classification and licensing questions.

Compliance Programs & Risk Mitigation

• Support trade compliance training, awareness, and communication initiatives, including duty forecasting calculations.
• Participate in compliance assessments, audits, and continuous improvement projects.
• Monitor compliance performance and identify opportunities for risk mitigation and operational improvement.
• Partner with stakeholders to ensure compliance requirements are integrated into business processes and operational activities.

What You Have

Trade Compliance & Customs Knowledge

• Experience supporting trade compliance, customs, import/export operations, logistics compliance, or related disciplines.
• Familiarity with customs regulations, trade controls, and global trade compliance requirements.
• Exposure to HTS classifications, ECCN classifications, export controls, or licensing requirements is preferred.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate complex information, identify risks, and recommend solutions.
• Ability to investigate issues, identify root causes, and support corrective actions.

Communication & Collaboration

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple functions and organizational levels.
• Ability to communicate complex compliance concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Organization & Execution

• Strong planning, organizational, and project management capabilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience supporting Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) operations.
• Customs Broker License (CBLE) or progress toward certification.
• Experience managing customs brokers and trade service providers.
• Experience with HTS and ECCN classifications.
• Import/export compliance experience in manufacturing, industrial, or oil & gas environments.
• Experience supporting trade compliance audits and assessments.
• Knowledge of export controls, sanctions screening, and licensing requirements.
• Caterpillar experience or experience within a similarly complex global industrial organization.

Additional Information

• Location: Fort Worth Distribution Center or SPM South Facility
• Travel: Minimal to moderate travel as required
• Relocation: Available for qualified candidates
• Sponsorship: Not available

Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. 

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*

• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*

• 401(k) savings plans*

• Health Savings Account (HSA)*

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*

• Health Lifestyle Programs*

• Employee Assistance Program*

• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*

• Career Development*

• Incentive bonus*

• Disability benefits

• Life Insurance

• Parental leave

• Adoption benefits

• Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

This position requires working onsite five days a week.Relocation is available for this position.Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:

November 10, 2026 - November 24, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community.