Customs & Foreign Trade Manager

PDW; Huntsville (AL); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) with company match

On-site gym

Life insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Paid time off

Job summary

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is seeking a Customs & Foreign Trade Manager to lead our global trade, export compliance, and international logistics efforts. You will shape governance, oversee audits, and manage cross-border shipments of UAS and technical data in line with ITAR and EAR requirements.

This role collaborates with Legal, Compliance, Security, and Program teams, and requires coordinating with freight forwarders, brokers, and government agencies. A U.S.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain, business, or pertinent field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience working in Customs and Foreign Trade including sourcing and relationship development within the Customs and Foreign Trade discipline.
• Experience coordinating with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and government agencies supporting international defense shipments.
• Working in an ITAR environment including global trade compliance, customs operations, and import/export processes.
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead PDW's global trade, export compliance, and international logistics program supporting commercial, U.S. Government, and allied defense customers.
• Establish trade compliance strategies and governance policies.
• Lead regulatory export audits, investigate shipping and compliance issues, and implement corrective actions.
• Manage domestic and international shipments of UAS, payloads, batteries, spare parts, and technical data in compliance with ITAR, EAR, Customs, and hazardous materials regulation.
• Coordinate permanent and temporary exports, imports, reimports, and international RMAs, including shipments to and from U.S. military installations, overseas bases, embassies, and international customer locations.
• Support international demonstrations, military exercises, trade shows, customer training, and field support activities.
• Ensure all required regulatory compliance with DDTC, BIS, CBP, OFAC, and hazardous materials regulations.
• Select, manage, and coordinate qualified freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international logistics providers to ensure secure, compliant, and efficient global transportation of defense articles and hazardous materials.
• Work closely with Legal, Compliance, Security, and Program teams to resolve regulatory issues, obtain export authorizations, support government inquiries, and ensure compliance with applicable U.S. and international trade laws.
• Monitor changes in U.S. export regulations and recommend improvements to PDW's global trade compliance program.
• Manage export licensing activities, denied party screening, AES filings, recordkeeping, and trade compliance policies.

Skills

Export compliance

ITAR compliance

Logistics management

Freight forwarding

Regulatory audits

AES filings

Denied party screening

Security clearance

Customs brokerage

Global trade

Education

Bachelor's in Supply Chain or related

Job description

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. Weoperateby a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Customs & Foreign Trade Manager.

What You’ll Do

• Lead PDW's global trade, export compliance, and international logistics program supporting commercial, U.S. Government, and allied defense customers
• Establish trade compliance strategies and governance policies
• Lead regulatory export audits, investigate shipping and compliance issues, and implement corrective actions
• Manage domestic and international shipments of UAS, payloads, batteries, spare parts, and technical data in compliance with ITAR, EAR, Customs, and hazardous materials regulation
• Coordinate permanent and temporary exports, imports, reimports, and international Return Material Authorizations (RMAs), including shipments to and from U.S. military installations, overseas bases, embassies, and international customer locations
• Support international demonstrations, military exercises, trade shows, customer training, and field support activities.
• Ensure all required regulatory compliance with DDTC, BIS, CBP, OFAC, and hazardous materials regulations
• Select, manage, and coordinate qualified freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international logistics providers to ensure secure, compliant, and efficient global transportation of defense articles and hazardous materials.
• Work closely with Legal, Compliance, Security, and Program teams to resolve regulatory issues, obtain export authorizations, support government inquiries, and ensure compliance with applicable U.S. and international trade laws
• Monitor changes in U.S. export regulations and recommend improvements to PDW's global trade compliance program
• Manage export licensing activities, denied party screening, AES filings, recordkeeping, and trade compliance policies

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain, Business, or pertinent fields
• Minimum 5 years of experience working in Customs and Foreign Trade including sourcing and relationship development within the Customs and Foreign Trade discipline
• Experience coordinating with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and government agencies supporting international defense shipments
• Working in an ITAR environment including global trade compliance, customs operations, and import/export processes
• Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred

• Customs Brokerage License or equivalent level of experience
• Experienced, demonstratable track record in all aspects of logistics sourcing and compliance

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may require occasional travel. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8a-5p with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

• PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities
• Benefits include comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company
• Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match
• A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation
• On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location
• Employer provided life insurance
• Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP)
• Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options

EEO Statement

PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.