International Trade Compliance Jobs in Washington

INTRODUCTION

The Trade Compliance Specialist supports the company's global compliance program by adherence to U.S. export controls and U.S. Customs import requirements, as well as applicable international trade regulations. This includes the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations (Title 19 CFR), and other relevant global export and import control frameworks.

The Trade Compliance Specialist manages the company trade compliance program, drives compliance strategy, manages complex regulatory changes, and serves as a subject matter expert while collaborating cross-functionally to align trade compliance efforts with business objectives and operational needs. The position will report to the Director of Governance & Compliance for Safran Electronics & Defense, Avionics Business Unit.

Please note that this is a regulatory compliance position, not a shipping and logistics position.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Export Compliance Responsibilities:

• Maintenance and development of the export compliance program.
• Reviewing export documentation, including shipping records, licenses, and agreements, to ensure compliance with federal and international regulations.
• Prepare and submit export license applications and other regulatory filings.
• Conduct export jurisdiction and classification determinations.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to export transactions and compliance activities.
• Restricted party screening for customers, vendors, and partners.
• Collaborate with internal departments (e.g., sales, shipping, engineering) to gather information and ensure compliance with export policies and procedures.
• Investigate potential compliance issues or violations, document findings, and support resolution efforts in coordination with management and legal.
• Other duties may be assigned.

Import Compliance Responsibilities:

• Maintenance and development of the import compliance program.
• Ensure adherence to U.S. import laws and regulations, including U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requirements under Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (19 CFR).
• Review and validate U.S. import documentation (e.g., commercial invoices, packing lists, bills of lading/air waybills, CBP entry summaries, Certificates of Origin) for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with CBP requirements.
• Coordinate with U.S. customs brokers, freight forwarders, and logistics providers to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely filing of entries (e.g., Entry/Immediate Delivery, Consumption Entries) and related documentation.
• Perform and/or validate HTSUS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States) classification of imported goods and Schedule B for exported goods; maintain classification databases and support ongoing governance and updates.

Job Requirements

• Support country of origin determinations and marking requirements in accordance with CBP rules, including application of U.S. trade preference programs and free trade agreements (e.g., USMCA) where applicable.
• Monitor customs valuation practices to ensure declared values comply with CBP regulations (e.g., transaction value, related party pricing considerations) and align with internal transfer pricing policies.
• Assist with post entry activities, including Post Summary Corrections (PSC), protests, prior disclosures, and duty refund or drawback opportunities, as directed by management.
• Participate in or support internal audits and self-assessments of U.S. import activity to test compliance with CBP regulations and company procedures; help develop and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Support responses to Broker, Freight Forwarder, Carrier, and CBP inquiries.
• Maintain import records in accordance with CBP recordkeeping requirements (e.g., 19 CFR Part 163), including retention schedules and readiness for CBP review.
• Other duties may be assigned.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Education / Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Business, International Relations, Supply Chain Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience in compliance, logistics, or international trade is preferred.
• Aerospace, defense, or advanced manufacturing experience.
• 5+ years' related work experience or equivalent combination of technical education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong organization skills and attention to detail.
• Understanding of or willingness to learn U.S. export control regulations (ITAR, EAR).
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection import regulations, including HTSUS Classification, customs valuation, country of origin rules and marking, trade preference programs (e.g., USMCA), recordkeeping and reasonable care obligations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience with export compliance software (e.g., QAD, SAP, or similar tools).
• Demonstrated project management skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion and integrity.

Leadership Skills / Management Skills / Personal Skills:

• Integrity.
• Judgement and problem solving.
• Leadership.
• Communication, both verbally and written and through active listening and reading comprehension.
• Adaptable and flexible.
• Ability to summarize complex information.
• Analytical thinking.
• Dependability.
• Planning, organization and prioritizing.
• Ability to train and influence stakeholders.

Physical Requirements

Office environment. Requires sitting, standing, walking, and use of computer equipment. Occasional lifting up to 10 pounds. Travel required approximately 20-25%, including international. May require coordination with international teams across multiple time zones.

LOCATION

Location: Redmond, Washington, United States

COMPANY INFORMATION

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 100,000 employees and sales of 27.3 billion euros in 2024, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets.

Safran is in the 2nd place in the aerospace and defense industry in TIME magazine's "World's best companies 2024" ranking.

Safran Electronics & Defense offers its customers onboard intelligence solutions allowing them to understand the environment, reduce mental load and guarantee a trajectory, even in critical situations, in all environments: on land, at sea, in the sky or space. The company harnesses the expertise of its 13,000 employees towards these three functions: observe, decide and guide, for the civil and military markets.