Import Compliance Specialist

Company : Safran Electronics & Defense, Avionics USA Job field : Trade compliance and risks Location : Grand Prairie , Texas , United States Contract type : Permanent Contract duration : Full-time Required degree : Bachelor's Degree Required experience : More than 8 years Professional status : Professional, Engineer & Manager Salary range : Based on Market Rate ITAR : ITAR Controlled position

# 2026-176276

Job Summary:
The Import Compliance Specialist will serve as Safran Electronics & Defense, Avionics USA, LLC (SEDA)'s subject matter expert in U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification and related import compliance. This role is responsible for accurately determining, assigning and maintaining USHTS classifications for all imported items and Schedule B numbers for all exported items, supported by robust audit trails and well-documented classification rationale. The Import Compliance Specialist will manage and review post-entry summary packets and audits, ensuring entries are compliant, accurate and fully supported for regulatory review. This position will also assist in communications with Customs Brokers, monitor and validate the seamless entry of goods into the United States, maintain comprehensive records in strict adherence to U.S. government standards and regulations, and perform and support internal import audit activities.
Note: This position is not within the Logistics or Supply Chain function.

Essential Job Functions

• Expert-Level Classification & Rationale

o Serve as SEDA's in-house expert for classification of imported and exported goods under the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (USHTS) and Schedule B, ing the General Rules of Interpretation, Section and Chapter Notes, Explanatory Notes, and applicable CBP rulings (including CROSS rulings).
o Develop, document, and maintain robust classification rationales and audit trails, ensuring each classification decision is fully supported by appropriate technical and regulatory references.
o Work with various data sources, technical experts, engineers, product managers, sourcing managers (across US, and MX), and others to obtain and interpret technical data (including drawings, specification documents, schematics, and product manuals) necessary for accurate and defensible classifications.

• Post-Entry Review & Audit

o Lead post-entry and post-summary packet reviews to verify the accuracy and completeness of entries, with particular emphasis on HTS classification, valuation, country of origin, and special program claims (e.g., USMCA).
o Identify discrepancies, potential non-compliance, or process gaps and coordinate corrective actions (e.g., post-summary corrections and other remedial measures as directed by management).
o Perform and assist in internal import audit activities focused on classification accuracy, documentation quality, and overall entry compliance.

• Broker Management & Import Flow Support

o Perform all aspects of managing and communicating with SEDA import broker(s).
o Assist as the primary interface with customs brokers, providing support for goods entry and timely data resolution as the Importer of Record for SEDA's import shipments.

• Other duties assigned.

Required Competencies:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution plus three years of import/customs compliance experience desired or 8 years of import/customs compliance experience
• Expert level knowledge of the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule including GRI's, Section and Chapter notes, Explanatory notes and CROSS ruling application
• US Licensed Customs Broker, preferred
• Experience working with a maquiladora, preferred
• Experience in the aerospace and defense industry in an import/customs compliance position, strongly preferred
• Typical experience:

Import Compliance Specialist: 0-5 years related work experience or equivalent combination of technical education and experience.

Import Compliance Senior Specialist: 6-10 years related work experience or equivalent combination of technical education and experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficiency with Ace portal desired relevant to import activities
• Knowledge in using US Census Foreign Trade Schedule B system, preferred
• Knowledge in using US International Trade Commission HTS online reference tool, preferred
• Excellent communication skills demonstrating strong critical thinking skills with the ability to clearly present complicated technical concepts to global users
• Demonstrated problem solving and analytical skills required
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal and external customers, associates, departments and other teams
• Excellent computer skills; SAP, MS Office Suite and SharePoint
• Accuracy and rigor, detail oriented
• Results Oriented
• Autonomous
• Good writing and articulation skills
• Time management skills (have the ability to set priorities)

Leadership Skills

• Decision-making: Ability to make informed and timely decisions, especially under pressure
• Strategic Thinking: Developing long-term strategies for compliance and risk management
• Team Building: Fostering a collaborative and supportive team environment
• Mentorship: Guiding and developing junior team members to enhance their skills and knowledge

Management Skills:

• Project Management: Overseeing compliance projects from initiation to completion, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Risk management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating compliance risks
• Process Improvement: Continuously improving compliance processes and procedures
• Resource Allocation: Efficiently managing resources to ensure compliance objectives are met.

Personal Skills

• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy in compliance documentation and procedures
• Communication: Clearly conveying compliance requirements and updates to stakeholders
• Analytical Skills: Analyzing data to identify compliance trends and issues
• Adaptability: Being flexible and responsive to changes in regulations and company policies.

Export Control Requirement (ITAR):
This position requires compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations. As such, only U.S. Persons (U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugees, or asylees) are eligible for this position.

• 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 and laboratory. Constantly operates and use 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. The ability to observe, identify and assess details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds across office for various needs.

• Work Environment

The work environment is split between office & laboratory work, with most work being performed in the office. Noise level in the office is typically quiet while the noise level in the laboratory can occasionally require hearing protection.

• Experience in relevant Business sector

Experience within aerospace industry a plus but not required.