Sr. Trade Compliance Specialist (Aerospace & Defense)

Join a long-established aerospace and defense manufacturer with over 80 years of proven performance supporting critical commercial, military, and space programs worldwide. The organization is a trusted supplier of advanced ducting systems and precision-engineered components used on some of the most demanding aviation and defense platforms.

You’ll step into a high-accountability trade compliance role where precision, regulatory expertise, and sound judgment directly protect international trade operations and mission-critical aerospace programs. This is a senior-level position with authority to evaluate, approve, and, when necessary, halt export and import transactions that do not meet U.S. regulatory requirements, ensuring compliance integrity while enabling business growth.

Why This Role?

• Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, vision, HSA/FSA options, and a 401(k) plan with company match.
• Generous PTO & Paid Holidays: Includes vacation accrual, sick time, 11 paid holidays, plus a floating holiday to support work-life balance.
• Established & Stable Organization: Over 80 years of proven performance supporting aerospace and defense programs with long-term customer relationships and consistent demand.
• Trusted Aerospace & Defense Supplier: Preferred supplier of advanced ducting systems, bellows, and flexible joints used on commercial, military, and space platforms with strict compliance and quality requirements.
• Dynamic, Growth-Driven Environment: Expansion driven by increased demand in both aviation and space programs, including active investment in new aerospace projects and capabilities.
• High-Stakes, High-Compliance Work: Work in an ITAR/EAR-regulated environment where accuracy, documentation integrity, and regulatory compliance directly impact mission-critical aerospace programs.
• High-Mix, Low-Volume Production Environment: Exposure to diverse, complex aerospace components requiring precision manufacturing, detailed documentation, and strong problem-solving across varied builds.
• Repeat, Loyal Aerospace Customers: Long-standing relationships with major aerospace OEMs and defense contractors built on trust, performance, and consistent delivery.
• Quality-Driven Culture: Strong focus on inspection, traceability, controlled documentation, and adherence to aerospace quality standards and compliance requirements.
• Superior Process Control: Tight integration across engineering, operations, and quality functions to ensure controlled workflows, consistent output, and regulatory alignment.
• One-Stop Manufacturing Capability: Integrated manufacturing approach for ducting systems, combining fabrication, forming, assembly, and testing under one organization to improve speed and accountability.
• Engineering Collaboration: Close coordination between engineering, operations, quality, and compliance teams to support manufacturability, certification, and regulatory requirements.
• Veteran-Friendly Environment: Strong commitment to hiring and supporting military veterans across production, engineering, and technical functions.
• Prime Location: Located in Long Beach, California, with access to a strong Southern California aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem.

What You’ll Do:

• Own and administer the export and import compliance program across aerospace manufacturing operations, ensuring adherence to ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and U.S. Customs regulations
• Review, analyze, and approve export licenses, permits, classifications, and technical documentation for compliance accuracy and regulatory alignment
• Classify products, technology, and technical data under ITAR/EAR and evaluate transactions for regulatory risk and due diligence requirements
• Develop, maintain, and audit Technology Control Plans and internal compliance systems, while ensuring alignment across departments and processes
• Partner with cross-functional teams, freight forwarders, and leadership to ensure compliant shipments, training, documentation accuracy, and risk mitigation

What You Bring:

• 7+ years of professional experience with 3–5+ years in export/import or trade compliance, ideally within aerospace or defense manufacturing
• Strong working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, OFAC, U.S. Customs regulations, sanctions, export licensing, and trade control frameworks
• Proven ability to interpret contracts, assess regulatory exposure, and evaluate compliance risk across complex transactions
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple compliance priorities in a regulated environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to work independently with high accountability, accuracy, and attention to detail in decision-making