Senior International Trade Compliance Officer

Karman Space and Defense

$110K — $130K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Law, Business, International Relations, Engineering, Political Science, or a related field.
  • 8 to 10 years of experience in international trade compliance or export controls, preferably in defense, aerospace, or space industries.
  • Hands-on experience with export licensing and compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations.
  • Experience managing a corporate trade compliance program.

Responsibilities

  • Manage international trade compliance program operations, including policies and compliance records.
  • Develop Technology Control Plans and compliance documentation.
  • Prepare and manage export licenses and regulatory filings with government agencies.
  • Conduct export jurisdiction and classification determinations for products and services.
  • Screen international transactions and partners, performing risk-based due diligence.
  • Design and deliver trade compliance training to operational teams.
  • Lead internal investigations, prepare self-disclosures, and support audits.

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement
Full Job Description
In this role, you lead Karman's international trade compliance program and serve as the company's subject matter expert on export controls. You provide operational oversight, regulatory guidance, and cross-functional support to ensure compliance with U.S. export control laws. You drive licensing activities, training, investigations, and program improvements while partnering closely with teams across the organization to integrate trade compliance into everyday business operations.

Responsibilities
  • Manages day-to-day operations of the international trade compliance program, including policies, procedures, internal controls, and compliance records.
  • Develops and maintains Technology Control Plans and facility-level compliance documentation.
  • Prepares, submits, and manages export licenses, agreements, and regulatory filings with relevant government agencies.
  • Conducts export jurisdiction and classification determinations for products, technical data, and services.
  • Screens international transactions and partners, performs risk-based due diligence, and evaluates compliance considerations for proposed business activities.
  • Designs, delivers, and tracks trade compliance training and distributes compliance communications to operational teams.
  • Leads internal investigations of potential violations, prepares voluntary self-disclosures, and supports internal and external audits.
  • Collaborates with cross-functional teams to provide regulatory guidance and integrate compliance into business processes and proposals.
  • Supports due diligence for mergers and acquisitions, foreign ownership/control/influence (FOCI) matters, and Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) reviews.
  • Provides functional guidance and oversight to coordinators, analysts, and embedded compliance personnel as program needs evolve.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Law, Business, International Relations, Engineering, Political Science, or a related field.
  • 8 to 10 years of progressive experience in international trade compliance, export controls, or regulatory affairs, including experience in the defense, aerospace, or space industry.
  • Hands-on experience with export licensing, jurisdiction requests, and compliance with International Traffic in Arms Regulations and related regulatory frameworks.
  • Experience contributing to or managing a corporate trade compliance program.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Juris Doctor (JD), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or other relevant advanced degree.
  • Professional certifications such as Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS).
  • Experience preparing voluntary self-disclosures and supporting CMMC assessments, CFIUS reviews, or FOCI mitigation.
  • Experience with defense offset programs, foreign military sales processes, or facility clearance requirements under the National Industrial Security Program.

Physical Requirements
  • Prolonged sitting, sustained computer use, and regular review of regulatory and technical documentation.
  • Ability to work within controlled-access environments subject to government security protocols. The essential functions of this position must be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.

Special Mentions
  • Moderate travel up to 15%, including occasional international travel.

Benefits
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
  • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
  • Company-paid life and AD&D insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability coverage
  • Tuition reimbursement

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