Export Compliance Principal Specialist

Job Summary:

The Export Compliance Principal Specialist will support the company's export compliance program by ensuring adherence to U.S. and international trade regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR), Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctions, and other global export control frameworks. The Export Compliance Principal Specialist will drive compliance strategy, manage complex regulatory changes, and serve as a subject matter expert while collaborating cross-functionally to align compliance efforts with business objectives

Essential Job Functions:

• 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

Export Compliance Principal Specialist: Will perform the above independently and recognized as a subject matter expert on the company, industry best practices and aligns compliance efforts with business objectives. Responsibilities include: Develop, implements, and oversee the company's compliance strategy, policies and procedures to ensure full adherence to ITAR, EAR and international trade laws; in collaboration with engineer, classify highly technical products, software, and technologies, resolving complex jurisdictional and classification issues under U.S. regulations; lead the preparation, submission, and management of strategic export licenses, TAAs/MLAs, voluntary disclosures, and other regulatory submissions; serve as the primary liaison with government agencies (e.g., DDTC, BIS, OFAC) during audits, investigations, or inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate responses; conduct advanced risk assessments of export activities, identifying potential vulnerabilities and implementing mitigation strategies; design and deliver comprehensive training programs for employees at all levels, fostering a culture of compliance across the organization; mentor junior team members, providing technical guidance; collaborate with leadership and business units to integrate compliance into product development, sales and supply chain processes; lead investigations into potential export violations, drafting detailed reports and coordinating corrective actions with internal and external stakeholders.

Job Requirements

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

• 10 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)

• 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

Travel Specificity:

Potential travel between Irvine, California and other locations up to 10%.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of the job, the employee is regularly required to remain in a stationary position and occasionally move about the office. Constantly operates and uses a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copier/printer. The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds across the office for various needs.

Work Environment

The work environment is work performed in the office. The noise level in the office is typically quiet.

Experience in relevant Business sector: Experience within aerospace or defense industry a plus but not required.