Trade Compliance Manager Jobs in California
Trade Compliance Manager jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in aerospace and defense, semiconductor manufacturing, life sciences, and international retail across a wide range from specialist to director level. The heaviest hiring runs through Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Diego, where established employers like Northrop Grumman, Qualcomm, and Apple maintain large import-export and customs operations. The most in-demand specialties are export controls under EAR and ITAR, customs classification, and sanctions compliance. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 45+ Trade Compliance Manager jobs
CHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio that gives the ultimate advantage—domain dominance. The company's products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats.
CHAOS Industries was founded in 2022 and has raised a total of $1 billion in funding from leading investors, including 8VC, Accel, and Valor Equity Partners. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, and London. For more information, please visit www.chaosinc.com.
Role Overview:
CHAOS Industries is seeking a Trade Compliance Manager to support the full scope of our export compliance program as the company scales production and delivery of its dual-use products to U.S. Government, allied, and commercial customers. You will prepare and administer export authorizations; review and approve shipments, travel, and visits; support classification determinations; and maintain records. You will partner closely with Program, Engineering, Business Development, Contracts, and Security teams to translate export control requirements into practical guidance they can follow as they pursue international opportunities, work with foreign partners, and deliver to customers. This is a hands-on role for an experienced export control professional who is comfortable advising program teams directly, making calls with limited oversight, and building processes.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare, submit, and administer export authorizations, including ITAR and BIS licenses, through DECCS and SNAP-R; track provisos, expirations, and reporting obligations.
- Draft and administer ITAR agreements, including Technical Assistance Agreements and Manufacturing License Agreements, and advise program teams on operating within their scope.
- Review and approve exports, imports, foreign travel, and foreign visitor requests, and advise functional teams on how to conduct those activities within the scope of applicable licenses, exemptions, exceptions, and regulations.
- Determine and document the applicability of ITAR exemptions and EAR license exceptions for shipments, technical data transfers, and travel.
- Support ECCN and USML classification determinations and maintain the classification database linking each part to its export classification.
- Manage restricted party and sanctions screening and resolve escalations; obtain and review end-user and end-use certifications and consignee statements.
- Maintain export records, including license decrementing and exemption and exception logs, so that every license, classification, exemption, and shipment is supported by a complete, audit-ready file.
- Help develop and maintain export compliance procedures and training, and conduct periodic shipment and license audits with corrective action where needed.
- Research, analyze, and interpret the ITAR and EAR; monitor regulatory developments and advise stakeholders on business impact.
- Support international demonstrations, field deployments, and hand carries, including temporary export authorizations, equipment return tracking, and pre-travel briefings for deploying personnel.
- Review and approve foreign national access to controlled technical data and facilities, and support technology control plans and visitor procedures with Security.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of trade compliance experience with an emphasis on export controls, preferably in aerospace/defense, government contracting, or a related technology sector; or a Master's degree and at least 5 years.
- Strong knowledge of the ITAR and EAR with demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and advise internal stakeholders on compliance requirements.
- Experience preparing, submitting, and administering export license applications and agreements, and validating the applicability of ITAR exemptions and EAR license exceptions.
- Working knowledge of customs fundamentals, including HTS classification, valuation, and country of origin, sufficient to recognize customs issues and coordinate with the team's customs lead and brokers.
- Experience reviewing and approving shipments, travel, or visitor requests in a compliance capacity.
- Strong judgment and comfort operating with significant autonomy and limited day-to-day oversight.
- This position requires access to technical data and technology controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
- Applicants must be a U.S. person as defined in 22 C.F.R. §120.62 and 15 C.F.R. § 772.1 – a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or an individual granted refugee or asylee status (a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) – or be eligible to obtain any export authorization or license required for the role
Preferred Requirements:
- Prior experience in a defense, aerospace, or sensors/radar business handling ITAR- and EAR-controlled hardware and technical data.
- Experience filing through DECCS and SNAP-R.
- Experience supporting temporary exports, demonstrations, or international field work under ITAR exemptions and EAR license exceptions.
- Experience with trade compliance or screening systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP GTS, OCR, Descartes).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.
Why CHAOS?
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company
- Additional benefits: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more
- Our Perks: Free daily lunch while you're working onsite, fully-stocked kitchen, unlimited PTO, casual dress code
- Compensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses
- Team Growth: 500+ employees and counting across 5 global offices
The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.
Recruiting Agencies: CHAOS Industries does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach. Unsolicited submissions will not be reviewed or compensated.
#LI-onsite
CHAOS Industries is redefining modern defense with a multi-product portfolio that gives the ultimate advantage—domain dominance. The company's products are powered by Coherent Distributed Networks (CDN™), empowering warfighters, commercial air operators, and border protection teams to act faster, adapt rapidly, and stay ahead of evolving threats.
CHAOS Industries was founded in 2022 and has raised a total of $1 billion in funding from leading investors, including 8VC, Accel, and Valor Equity Partners. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Washington, D.C., San Francisco, San Diego, and London. For more information, please visit www.chaosinc.com.
Role Overview:
CHAOS Industries is seeking a Trade Compliance Manager to support the full scope of our export compliance program as the company scales production and delivery of its dual-use products to U.S. Government, allied, and commercial customers. You will prepare and administer export authorizations; review and approve shipments, travel, and visits; support classification determinations; and maintain records. You will partner closely with Program, Engineering, Business Development, Contracts, and Security teams to translate export control requirements into practical guidance they can follow as they pursue international opportunities, work with foreign partners, and deliver to customers. This is a hands-on role for an experienced export control professional who is comfortable advising program teams directly, making calls with limited oversight, and building processes.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare, submit, and administer export authorizations, including ITAR and BIS licenses, through DECCS and SNAP-R; track provisos, expirations, and reporting obligations.
- Draft and administer ITAR agreements, including Technical Assistance Agreements and Manufacturing License Agreements, and advise program teams on operating within their scope.
- Review and approve exports, imports, foreign travel, and foreign visitor requests, and advise functional teams on how to conduct those activities within the scope of applicable licenses, exemptions, exceptions, and regulations.
- Determine and document the applicability of ITAR exemptions and EAR license exceptions for shipments, technical data transfers, and travel.
- Support ECCN and USML classification determinations and maintain the classification database linking each part to its export classification.
- Manage restricted party and sanctions screening and resolve escalations; obtain and review end-user and end-use certifications and consignee statements.
- Maintain export records, including license decrementing and exemption and exception logs, so that every license, classification, exemption, and shipment is supported by a complete, audit-ready file.
- Help develop and maintain export compliance procedures and training, and conduct periodic shipment and license audits with corrective action where needed.
- Research, analyze, and interpret the ITAR and EAR; monitor regulatory developments and advise stakeholders on business impact.
- Support international demonstrations, field deployments, and hand carries, including temporary export authorizations, equipment return tracking, and pre-travel briefings for deploying personnel.
- Review and approve foreign national access to controlled technical data and facilities, and support technology control plans and visitor procedures with Security.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of trade compliance experience with an emphasis on export controls, preferably in aerospace/defense, government contracting, or a related technology sector; or a Master's degree and at least 5 years.
- Strong knowledge of the ITAR and EAR with demonstrated ability to research, interpret, and advise internal stakeholders on compliance requirements.
- Experience preparing, submitting, and administering export license applications and agreements, and validating the applicability of ITAR exemptions and EAR license exceptions.
- Working knowledge of customs fundamentals, including HTS classification, valuation, and country of origin, sufficient to recognize customs issues and coordinate with the team's customs lead and brokers.
- Experience reviewing and approving shipments, travel, or visitor requests in a compliance capacity.
- Strong judgment and comfort operating with significant autonomy and limited day-to-day oversight.
- This position requires access to technical data and technology controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
- Applicants must be a U.S. person as defined in 22 C.F.R. §120.62 and 15 C.F.R. § 772.1 – a U.S. citizen or national, a lawful permanent resident, or an individual granted refugee or asylee status (a protected individual under 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)) – or be eligible to obtain any export authorization or license required for the role
Preferred Requirements:
- Prior experience in a defense, aerospace, or sensors/radar business handling ITAR- and EAR-controlled hardware and technical data.
- Experience filing through DECCS and SNAP-R.
- Experience supporting temporary exports, demonstrations, or international field work under ITAR exemptions and EAR license exceptions.
- Experience with trade compliance or screening systems (e.g., NetSuite, SAP GTS, OCR, Descartes).
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.
Why CHAOS?
- Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision benefits 100% paid for by the company
- Additional benefits: 401k (+ 50% company match up to 6% of pay), FSA, HSA, life insurance, and more
- Our Perks: Free daily lunch while you're working onsite, fully-stocked kitchen, unlimited PTO, casual dress code
- Compensation Components: Competitive base salaries, generous pre-IPO stock option grants, relocation assistance, and (coming soon!) annual bonuses
- Team Growth: 500+ employees and counting across 5 global offices
The stated compensation range reflects only the targeted base compensation range and excludes additional earnings such as bonus, equity, and benefits. If your compensation requirements fall outside of the range, we still encourage you to apply. The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations.
Recruiting Agencies: CHAOS Industries does not accept unsolicited resumes or outreach. Unsolicited submissions will not be reviewed or compensated.
#LI-onsite
See All 45 Trade Compliance Manager Jobs in California
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Find Trade Compliance Manager JobsTrade Compliance Manager Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Trade Compliance Manager Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Distribution & Wholesale
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in trade compliance manager jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in international business, supply chain, law, or a related field
- Demonstrated expertise in U.S. Export Administration Regulations and ITAR compliance
- Experience managing customs classifications using the Harmonized Tariff Schedule
- Familiarity with California-based aerospace, semiconductor, or life sciences supply chains
- Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO) or similar professional credential preferred
- Proficiency with trade compliance management software and SAP Global Trade Services
Trade Compliance Manager Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a trade compliance manager in California?
Start with a bachelor's degree in international business, supply chain management, law, or a related field, then build several years of hands-on experience in import or export operations. California does not require a state-issued license for this role, but employers strongly favor candidates who hold a recognized credential such as the Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer designation. Familiarity with the federal export control framework and customs regulations common in California's aerospace, defense, and technology industries will give you a clear edge.
How much do trade compliance managers make in California?
Trade compliance managers in California earn a median of about $96,980 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $57,530 for the lowest 10% to over $158,280 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire trade compliance managers in California?
Employers hiring trade compliance managers in California right now include L3Harris, General Atomics, and Gexpro Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. California's concentration of aerospace primes, semiconductor manufacturers, and global consumer technology companies means openings appear consistently throughout the year rather than in short bursts.
Which California cities have the most trade compliance manager jobs?
San Jose, San Diego, and Los Angeles account for the most trade compliance manager openings in California. Los Angeles and San Diego are driven by major aerospace, defense, and logistics operations, while San Jose sits at the center of the semiconductor and consumer electronics supply chains that generate steady demand for export controls and customs expertise.
Are there remote trade compliance manager jobs in California?
Yes, and more than most compliance fields, because the analytical and policy work translates well to remote settings. About 71% of trade compliance manager openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting how much of the role centers on reviewing documentation, advising business units, and managing regulatory filings rather than physical inspections. Export controls advisory and sanctions screening work tends to be the most remote-friendly segment.
How can I get hired as a trade compliance manager in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a trade compliance analyst or import-export coordinator role at a large California manufacturer or logistics company, where you build hands-on classification and licensing experience before moving into management. Companies like defense contractors and semiconductor firms in the Los Angeles and San Jose areas occasionally hire recent graduates into export controls or customs analyst programs. Earning a CUSECO credential or completing an export compliance certificate course early strengthens your profile significantly, and lateral moves from supply chain analyst, procurement, or international logistics roles are a common and well-recognized path in.
Where can I find and apply to trade compliance manager jobs in California?
You can find and apply to trade compliance manager jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly.
See All 45 Trade Compliance Manager Jobs in California
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