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. With a footprint in eight strategic locations across the US, UK, and Southeast Asia, we specialize in structural airframe and engine components for major fuel-efficient commercial narrowbody platforms.

About the role

This position is based at either the Ketema (El Cajon, CA) or Jet Products (San Diego, CA) facility on a 1st shift schedule (6:30 AM – 3:00 PM) with a full-time, 9/80 work schedule.

• Zenix Aerospace Ketema specializes in complex fabrications and machined components from titanium and nickel alloys for aircraft, turbine engines, space, marine, and ground-based applications.
• Zenix Aerospace Jet Products produces near-net-shape blanks (2″ to 180″ diameter) and complex machined rings and components in titanium, nickel, cobalt, stainless, and aluminum alloys for airframe structures, nacelles, thrust reversers, and turbine engine parts.

Responsibilities

• Develop and conduct training to ensure team members meet Southern California export compliance requirements.
• Monitor, audit, and manage compliance activities and the effectiveness of internal controls on an ongoing basis.
• Prepare, review, approve, and submit applications for export/import licenses, permits, and other authorization requests.
• Prepare, review, and approve technology control plans; provide technology transfer oversight, including visits and travel.
• Analyze transactions for potential risk and determine whether due diligence has been satisfied.
• Review proposals and contracts to identify trade compliance needs or issues.
• Maintain records of trade compliance activities.
• Review and update trade compliance internal controls (procedures, work instructions, forms, checklists, and tools) with department managers.
• Work proactively with departments to prevent trade disruptions.
• Advise senior staff on trade compliance aspects and risks of proposed business decisions.
• Analyze and interpret export and import regulations; maintain current knowledge of changes.
• Own, manage, and maintain a Rolling Action Item List (RAIL) for all trade compliance items.
• Determine the correct Export Control Classification Number (ECCN) for items subject to the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).
• Communicate trade compliance matters clearly and concisely across all levels of the business.
• Report directly to the Director of Trade Compliance (DTC) at a minimum on a weekly basis.
• Communicate with various government agencies.
• Develop and manage standardized audit and testing processes to identify potential trade compliance issues.
• Stay current with evolving trade compliance regulations, tariffs, and sanctions imposed by various countries.

Requirements

• Basic arithmetic skills for technical computations; some college-level math preferred.
• Proficiency in PowerPoint and Excel; ability to research transactions and prepare reports in ERP/MRP systems (Visual Compliance preferred).
• Ability to analyze data, develop countermeasures, and work at both detail and strategic levels under pressure.
• Strong decision-making authority for regular tasks without direct supervision.

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 experience highly desirable.
• Familiarity with ITAR, EAR (including anti-boycott regulations), OFAC sanctions, Customs Regulations (CFR), Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR), and international shipping documents (commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill, export license).
• Thorough knowledge of consignee information, incoterms, harmonized tariff codes, country of origin, customs value, export classification, and 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.

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 properly licensed foreign persons. Applicants will be screened against the Consolidated Screening List for eligibility to receive technical data.