Trade Compliance Specialist

Zenix Aerospace is a global leader uniting decades of expertise in aerospace engineering. We design and deliver high-technology aerospace components for aircraft and space systems, serving as a trusted partner to the world’s leading aerospace companies across eight strategic locations in the US, UK, and Southeast Asia.

This role will support two San Diego–area facilities:

• Zenix Aerospace Ketema – a leading provider of complex fabrications and machined components from titanium and nickel alloys for aircraft, turbine engines, space, marine, and ground-based applications.
• Zenix Aerospace Jet Products – specializes in near-net-shape starting blanks and produces complex machined rings and ring components in titanium, nickel, cobalt, stainless, and aluminum alloys for airframe structures, nacelles, thrust reversers, and turbine engines.

About the role

The Trade Compliance Specialist ensures all export/import activities adhere to company policy and regulatory requirements. Responsibilities include reviewing and approving license applications, advising leadership and staff on compliance matters, overseeing internal controls, and providing training to maintain compliance with SoCal export regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct training to prepare team members for SoCal export compliance requirements.
• Monitor, audit, and manage compliance activities and internal controls on an ongoing basis.
• Prepare, review, approve, and submit applications for export/import licenses, permits, and other authorizations.
• Prepare, review, and approve technology control plans; provide oversight for technology transfers, including visits and travel.
• Analyze transactions flagged for potential risk and determine if due diligence has been satisfied.
• Review proposals and contracts to identify trade compliance needs or issues.
• Maintain records of all trade compliance activities.
• Review and update departmental procedures, work instructions, forms, checklists, and tools to ensure compliance.
• Work proactively with departments to prevent trade disruptions.
• Advise senior staff on trade compliance risks related to proposed business decisions.
• Analyze and interpret export/import regulations; stay current with regulatory changes, tariffs, and sanctions.
• Maintain a Rolling Action Item List (RAIL) for all trade compliance tasks.
• Classify parts by determining the correct Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) under the EAR.
• Communicate trade compliance matters clearly and consistently across all levels of the business.
• Report to the Director of Trade Compliance at least weekly.
• Communicate with government agencies as required.
• Develop and manage standardized audit and testing processes to identify potential compliance issues in operational procedures.
• Stay updated on evolving trade compliance regulations, tariffs, and sanctions.

Requirements

• Basic arithmetic skills for technical computations; some college-level math preferred.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel; ability to research transactions and prepare reports using ERP/MRP systems (Visual Compliance preferred).
• Ability to analyze data, develop countermeasures, and work at both detail and strategic levels under pressure.
• Strong judgment and ability to work independently with limited supervision; authority to make routine task-related decisions without managerial input.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 5+ years of trade compliance experience; manufacturing environment experience a plus, aerospace or industrial industry highly desirable.
• Familiarity with ITAR, EAR (including anti-boycott regulations), OFAC sanctions, Customs Regulations (CFR), Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), and other relevant government regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of international shipping documents (commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill, export license) and key details (consignee information, incoterms, harmonized tariff codes, country of origin, customs value, export classification, license data).

Benefits

• Market-led base salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including wellness benefits.
• Employee recognition program.
• Matching 401k plan.
• Paid vacation.
• Employee wellness activities.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Community involvement initiatives.

Schedule

1st Shift: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM, full-time 9/80 schedule.

Employment is contingent upon passing a drug test, background check, ITAR, and U.S. Export Compliance screening. Access to the facility is restricted under ITAR/EAR to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, asylees, or temporary residents under amnesty provisions. Applicants may be required to provide information to assess trade compliance eligibility and will be screened against the U.S. government’s Consolidated Screening List.