International Trade Compliance Specialist

LMI Aerospace, Inc.; Saint Charles (MO); On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Sonaca North America is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to support import/export controls and ensure adherence to international trade laws. The role manages documentation, licenses, and permits, monitors regulatory changes, and collaborates with brokers, clients, and customs officials to resolve complex issues.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in international business or law, 2–4 years in trade compliance, strong analytical skills, and proficiency with MS Office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Law or a related field.
• 2–4 years of experience in international trade compliance or similar role.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Access, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Knowledge of US and international trade laws including ITAR, EAR, OFAC.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and improve trade compliance procedures and controls.
• Ensure proper documentation is stored and traceable.
• Support internal questions and external audits.
• Identify risks early and escalate issues with proactive solutions.
• Coordinate with brokers on day-to-day activity; review filings and entries for accuracy.
• Track duty spend, refunds, and create clear reporting for finance and operations.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Spanish language (bilin gual preferred

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor’s degree in International Business or Law

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Sonaca North America is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. As a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, we are dedicated to making air and space travel safe and sustainable. We have 10 locations across North America and our engineering expertise and operational excellence set us apart from the competition. Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high-quality products and services that are reliable, safe, and efficient. Our team of experts is dedicated to staying ahead of the curve in the aerospace and defense industry, utilizing the latest technologies and processes to ensure that we deliver the best possible solutions to our customers.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director, Supply Chain, this role supports import and export controls to ensure compliance with international trade laws and regulations. The incumbent manages documentation processes to ensure that all required permits, licenses, and certifications are obtained; monitors changes to compliance processes due to new or amended regulations; possesses in‑depth knowledge of customs rules and regulations and other related requirements for global shipping; and resolves complex issues that have been escalated, expediting solutions with clients, customs officials, and shippers.

Responsibilities

• Compliance Support
  • Maintain and improve trade compliance procedures and controls.
  • Ensure proper documentation is stored and traceable.
  • Support internal questions and external audits.
  • Identify risks early and elevate issues proactively, suggesting and implementing solutions.
• Duty and Tariff Management
  • Maintain accurate tariff classifications across all products and challenge vendor classifications as necessary.
  • Review duty payments and entry data to ensure accuracy and identify discrepancies.
  • Support efforts to reduce duty exposure through classification and sourcing insights.
  • Stay current on regulatory changes and communicate business impact clearly.
  • Partner with supply‑chain teams to understand product flow, sourcing, and logistics decisions; evaluate landed‑cost impacts tied to duties and tariffs; provide early input to prevent costly downstream corrections; support strong documentation practices for smooth cross‑border movement; identify situations where ITAR compliance is required.
• Duty & Tariff Refunds
  • Assist with preparation, submission, and tracking of claims.
  • Maintain organized, audit‑ready documentation.
  • Help improve processes to increase recovery consistency and reduce missed opportunities.
  • Coordinate with the commercial team to assert tariff and duties to customers.
• Broker Coordination and Oversight
  • Work closely with customs brokers on day‑to‑day activity.
  • Review filings and entries for accuracy and completeness.
  • Escalate and resolve classification or documentation issues.
  • Support monitoring of broker performance and responsiveness.
• Reporting and Analysis
  • Track duty spend, refund activity, and key metrics.
  • Support development of clear, simple reporting for finance and operations.
  • Identify trends, recurring errors, and cost‑saving opportunities.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Law or a related field.
• Minimum of 2‑4 years of experience in international trade compliance or a similar role.
• Demonstrated computer skills, especially Microsoft Office applications (Access, PowerPoint and Excel).
• In‑depth knowledge of U.S. and international trade laws and regulations, including ITAR, EAR, and OFAC.
• Bi‑lingual in Spanish preferred.
• Experience with import/export operations and documentation.
• Familiarity with global customs regulations and tariff classification.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in compliance management software and tools.
• Ability to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Certification in trade compliance (e.g., CUSECO, CCS) is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Strong organizational and time‑management skills.
• Experience in developing and delivering compliance training programs.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally, as required.

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a percentage company‑match contribution.
• Competitive wages.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental insurance.
• Short‑term disability.
• Long‑term disability.
• Employee assistance plan — for access to counseling, consulting and other community resources.
• Wellness program.
• Tuition assistance (subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions).

EEO Statement

Sonaca North America is an equal employment opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, Sonaca North America provides access and opportunities to those with disabilities. This includes providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who seek to access the company’s online application system. If an applicant is unable to fully access the online application system, Sonaca North America will provide a reasonable accommodation. Applicants with disabilities may contact us at 636‑916‑2400 for assistance accessing the on‑line application system. Callers should have a detailed description of the requested accommodation, their name and preferred method of contact ready for Sonaca North America’s Human Resources Department. Sonaca North America will make every effort to respond within two (2) business days. This phone number is not for the general submission of application materials. Sonaca North America is an E‑Verify Employer.