Import/Export Compliance Officer

TPI Staffing, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

TPI Staffing, Inc. in Houston seeks a Trade Compliance Officer to manage import and export compliance, ensuring ITAR and EAR adherence for shipments.

The role involves processing shipments, determining classifications, preparing license applications with senior staff, maintaining records, and coordinating with logistics, legal, and shipping teams.

The ideal candidate has 2–5 years of ITAR/EAR experience, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and with a team.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of ITAR/EAR trade compliance experience.
• Strong knowledge of ITAR, EAR and export/import regulations.
• Proficiency with ACE system and export licensing processes.

Responsibilities

• Process routine import/export shipments in compliance with ITAR and EAR.
• Determine export classification and identify license requirements.
• Collaborate with customer-facing functional areas to obtain export authorizations or documentation for license applications.
• Prepare export license applications with senior trade compliance staff and maintain records of transactions.
• Manage and review export licenses and outbound shipments for accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure consistent adherence to import/export procedures across the organization.
• Coordinate with logistics, legal, and shipping teams to enable compliant trade operations.

Skills

ITAR compliance

EAR compliance

Trade compliance

Attention to detail

Regulatory knowledge

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

High school diploma

Associates degree

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Compliance software

Job description

We are seeking a skilled and detail-oriented Trade Compliance Officer to join our team.

In this full-time position, you will manage the import and export compliance process Houston location ensuring adherence to ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) and EAR (Export Administration Regulations).

You will be responsible for processing routine import and export shipments, ensuring that solid compliance procedures are in place, and maintaining records in accordance with ITAR and EAR regulations.

The Trade Compliance Officer will also manage export licenses and review outbound shipments for accuracy.

This position reports directly to the General Manager/Controller and requires at least two years of experience working with ITAR and EAR regulated goods.

The ideal candidate will have strong attention to detail, a good understanding of export/import regulations, and the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Comply with the Code of Conduct Requirements and Export Compliance Manual/Handbook.
• Process routine import and export shipments in compliance with ITAR and EAR regulations.
• Determine export classification and identify license requirements.
• Collaborate with customer-facing functional areas to ensure appropriate export authorizations are in place, or that all required documentation is obtained to support export license applications.
• Work with the senior trade compliance staff to prepare export license applications. Maintain accurate records for import and export transactions in accordance with ITAR, EAR, and other regulatory requirements.
• Managing export licenses and reviewing outbound shipments for accuracy and compliance.
• Ensure consistent adherence to import and export procedures across the organization.
• Collaborate with the senior trade compliance staff to resolve complex import shipments.
• Review and evaluate shipping documentation to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and company policies.
• Responsible for local procedure maintenance, management of approved licenses, and internal compliance checks.
• Advise General Manager/upper management of trade compliance aspects and risks of proposed business decisions.
• Perform internal verifications of trade compliance documentation and practices, including but not limited to, regular reviews of transactional documents.
• Coordinate with internal departments, including logistics, legal, and shipping, to ensure smooth and compliant trade operations.
• Support the preparation of reports and audits related to trade compliance activities.
• Manage and maintain export classification matrix, ensuring that they are accurate and up to date.
• Manage export and import compliance for Maquila operations, ensuring adherence to U.S. and Mexican trade regulations.
• Oversee imports under the USMCA, with the ability to qualify goods for preferential treatment when applicable.
• Prepare Manufacturing License Agreement (MLA) applications, as well as DSP-73 and DSP-5 export license applications.
• Maintain and manage MLAs and export licenses, ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements, including timely amendments and replacements as needed.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma, Associates degree, or equivalent required.
• Minimum of 2-5 years of experience working with ITAR and EAR regulated goods and trade compliance procedures.
• Strong knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and other export/import regulations.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to identify potential compliance issues.
• Experience managing export licenses and reviewing export documentation for accuracy.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) and familiarity with compliance software.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations and the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) system is a plus.
• Experienced with Maquila operations and USMCA compliance, including cross-border trade processes and preferential duty treatment under the agreement.
• Familiarity with ITAR Authorizations (DSP5, 73 and MLA), export classification, and U.S. Customs regulations is highly desired.
• Skilled in performing HTS classification determinations, with a strong understanding of tariff schedules is highly desired.

Compensation: Competitive salary, based on experience.

Note: This position is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) which requires U.S. person status, or eligibility to obtain the required authorization from the U.S. Department of State. ITAR defines U.S. person as an U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee. Employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.