Import Export Coordinator

Specialized Recruiting Group - York County / South Charlotte; Rock Hill (SC); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing defense technology and manufacturing organization seeks an experienced Export & Import Compliance Officer to lead all aspects of U.S. export control, import compliance, and international trade activities.

The role reports to the Contracts Manager and serves as the subject matter expert on export/import regulations for defense products, data, software, and services. Collaboration with leadership is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field preferred.
• 5+ years in export/import compliance or regulatory oversight in defense/aerospace/government contracting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage export control, import compliance, and international trade activities.
• Determine ITAR, USML, EAR, and CCL classifications and maintain records.
• Review international transactions for compliance and coordinate licensing.
• Develop training programs and conduct internal compliance audits.
• Advise leadership on regulatory requirements and risk.

Skills

Regulatory analysis

Trade compliance

Policy interpretation

Cross-functional collaboration

Risk assessment

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/International Trade/Legal Studies/Engineering

Job description

A growing defense technology and manufacturing organization is seeking an experienced Export & Import Compliance Officer (EICO) to lead and manage all aspects of the company's U.S. export control, import compliance, and international trade activities.

Reporting to the Contracts Manager, this role serves as the organization's primary subject matter expert for export and import regulations, ensuring compliance with U.S. Government requirements governing defense products, technical data, software, services, and international business operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for a trade compliance professional who enjoys working cross-functionally, advising leadership, and supporting global defense programs in a highly regulated environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer and maintain the company's export and import compliance program, policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Determine and document export classifications, including ITAR, USML, EAR, and Commerce Control List (CCL) classifications.
• Support product, technology, software, and service jurisdiction and classification determinations.
• Review international transactions, customers, suppliers, end users, distributors, and intermediaries for export compliance requirements and trade restrictions.
• Assess licensing requirements and coordinate applications, approvals, authorizations, agreements, and related government submissions.
• Maintain records supporting licenses, agreements, authorizations, classifications, screenings, shipments, and compliance determinations.
• Develop and maintain procedures governing the transfer, storage, and handling of controlled technical data and information.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, OFAC, U.S. Customs regulations, and other applicable trade control requirements.
• Monitor changes in export and import regulations and evaluate potential impacts on business operations.

Import Compliance

• Coordinate import activities, including tariff classification, country-of-origin determinations, customs documentation, valuation requirements, duties, and broker communications.
• Review shipping documentation, international purchase orders, contracts, and sales agreements for compliance with import and export regulations.
• Partner with freight forwarders, customs brokers, suppliers, and customers to resolve trade compliance issues and shipment challenges.
• Support efficient and compliant movement of products, technical data, and defense-related materials.
• Develop and deliver export and import compliance training programs for employees and contractors.
• Conduct internal compliance reviews and support audits, investigations, corrective actions, and voluntary disclosures when necessary.
• Maintain the company's Trade Compliance Manual and related procedures.
• Advise management on compliance risks, regulatory requirements, and potential violations.
• Support implementation of access controls and technology safeguards to prevent unauthorized exports, transfers, or disclosures of controlled information.
• Assist with broader contracts and compliance initiatives as required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Legal Studies, Supply Chain, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in export/import compliance, trade compliance, or international regulatory compliance within the defense, aerospace, manufacturing, or government contracting sectors.
• Demonstrated experience administering export compliance programs and managing regulatory requirements in a highly regulated environment.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain U.S. Security Clearance credentials.

Preferred Experience

• Strong working knowledge of:
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• U.S. Munitions List (USML)
• Commerce Control List (CCL)
• Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC)
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection regulations
• Experience managing export licensing, technical assistance agreements, classification reviews, and government submissions.
• Experience supporting defense programs, military products, technical data controls, and international business activities.
• Familiarity with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and international logistics operations.
• Experience conducting compliance audits, investigations, and corrective action programs.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to interpret complex regulations and translate them into practical business processes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Sound judgment, discretion, and integrity
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Strong collaboration skills across engineering, program management, finance, operations, and executive leadership teams