What are the responsibilities and job description for the Export Compliance Manager position at Penn Engineering?
Position Summary
This role serves as the primary owner of ITAR and defense related compliance while functioning as the daily commercial and operational liaison to key defense customers. It is a hybrid position that integrates regulatory compliance, program coordination, and customer facing account management, ensuring PROFIL delivers defense programs compliantly, efficiently, and professionally as this segment of the business continues to grow.
Key Responsibilities & Essential Functions
- Develop, implement, and continuously improve compliance policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure compliance with international trade regulations, including ITAR, EAR and U.S. Customs.
- Conduct regular audits and assessments of export activities to identify areas of non-compliance and implement corrective actions as needed.
- Manage the classification of products and technologies to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including CTI handling procedures.
- Maintain and update compliance records and documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements; monitor areas of compliance risk and reports findings/recommendations to leadership.
- Monitor changes in export regulations and requirements and update internal policies and procedures as necessary.
- Prepare and submit export license applications and other required documentation to government agencies.
- Interface with government agencies as necessary to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Serve as the primary PROFIL point of contact for assigned defense customers, overseeing program coordination, contract execution, and all compliance related inquiries.
- Maintain clear tracking of customer commitments and continuously update program requirements as the business expands.
- Support defense supply agreement execution including but not limited to change management, FAI (first article inspection) coordination and compliance obligations.
- Provide training and guidance to employees on export compliance requirements and best practices.
- Investigate and report any suspected violations of export regulations to management and regulatory agencies as required.
- Support internal and external audits and investigations related to export compliance.
- Collaborate with internal teams including legal, finance, global supply chain, and government affairs to align compliance efforts with national security priorities.
Qualifications:
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business administration, International Trade, Engineering or related field.
- Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in export compliance and defense manufacturing.
- ITAR/export controls, or defense program account management.
- Expert knowledge of export regulations, including EAR, ITAR and other relevant regulations.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree
- Prior work experience at a Tier 1 or Tier 2 defense supplier
- Knowledge of foreign trade zones and free trade agreements
- Familiarity with DFARS, DPAS, and NIST 800-171
- Experience supporting munitions, firearms, aerospace, or regulated industrial products
- Experience with export compliance software and tools is preferred.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve complex compliance issues.
- Strong cross-functional leadership and communication skills.
- Ability to interface credibly with customers, legal counsel, and internal leadership
- Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution.
Physical & Environmental Requirements
- Able to sit or stand for 8 -10 hours a day.
- Ability to lift up to 20 lbs.
- Unairconditioned manufacturing facility and air-conditioned office