Trade Compliance Specialist

Astronics Test Systems is hiring a Trade Compliance Specialist to support activities at our Orlando, FL location. As our confident, highly organized gatekeeper, you’ll own classification controls and export/import licensing and documentation while turning complex requirements into clear, actionable guidance. If you’re curious, creative, team-oriented, and energized by improving processes from the ground up, this is an opportunity to make a lasting impact as the company prepares for transformative growth. Spanish fluency is a plus.

Why You’ll Enjoy Working Here

• Health & Well-being: Health, dental, vision, disability, life insurance, FSA, HSA, and additional voluntary coverage options
• Time for You: Generous Paid Time Off, Paid Holidays and Paid Parental Leave
• Financial Security: Highly competitive Quarterly Profit Sharing Bonus, 401K with company match & Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Work-Life Harmony: Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Program and a culture that promotes work-life balance.
• Professional Growth: Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Flexibility that works: 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off 

What You’ll Do

As a key member of a collaborative, cross-functional team, the 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.

• 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.

What You’ll Bring

• Associate's or bachelor's degree in supply chain, international trade, business, or a related field. 
• Minimum of 5+ years of related export/trade compliance experience and/or training, preferably in the aerospace and defense industries. 
• Expertise inexport control laws and regulations, including ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and Customs Regulations. 
• Preferred Certifications: ECoP EAR/ITAR Certification, or coursework through the Export Compliance Training Institute (ECTI).
• 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. 

Employment Eligibility:

• An offer of employment is contingent on successfully passing a drug test and background check
• Due to federal contract obligations, this position may involve access to items subject to U.S. export-control laws. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s authorization to access such items under applicable law. The company does not guarantee and is under no obligation to seek such authorization if it would be necessary.

Accommodation Request

Astronics Test Systems is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail [email protected] or call: 407.381.6062. We will make a determination regarding your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

Why Astronics Test Systems:

Joining Astronics Test Systems (ATS) offers an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a pioneering organization at the forefront of automated test technology for aerospace, defense, and other high-reliability industries. As a team member, you will have the chance to work with some of the brightest minds in the industry, collaborating on innovative solutions that make a significant impact on the safety and performance of critical electronic systems worldwide. At Astronics Test Systems, we foster a culture of continuous learning, growth, and development, empowering our employees to stretch their capabilities and reach new heights in their careers. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment that encourages creativity, curiosity, and open communication, enabling you to make meaningful contributions and be recognized for your achievements.