Senior Counsel, Global Trade & Export Compliance

advantestcareers; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantest America seeks an experienced Senior Counsel, Global Trade & Export Compliance to act as the company’s principal SME on U.S. export controls, sanctions, and related regulatory matters.

You will partner with leadership, engineering, supply chain, and sales across the United States, Japan, Europe, and Asia to advance regulatory compliance and strategic growth. This role requires deep knowledge of EAR, BIS licensing, OFAC sanctions, and anti-boycott rules, with a track record of building

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school and bar admission.
• 10+ years of legal experience in export controls, trade compliance, sanctions, or related areas.
• Experience advising multinational tech or semiconductor companies.
• Strong project management and stakeholder engagement skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Advantest America’s primary legal advisor on EAR, BIS, OFAC, anti-boycott, and customs matters.
• Lead and improve the global trade compliance program, including risk assessments and training.
• Advise internal clients on export control implications for sales, partnerships, and product development.
• Lead licensing strategy and manage interactions with U.S. government agencies.
• Coordinate with outside counsel and internal teams across regions to ensure compliance.
• Travel to regional offices as needed to support global operations.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Regulatory expertise

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Travel flexibility

Education

J.D. from accredited law school

Job description

Advantest is the world's leading provider of automated test and measurement solutions for the semiconductor industry. As a trusted partner to the world's foremost semiconductor companies, Advantest develops and supplies advanced testing systems and solutions that enable the innovation driving next-generation technologies, including artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, automotive, mobile, and communications applications.

As a global company operating across multiple jurisdictions and serving customers throughout the world, Advantest is committed to maintaining the highest standards of legal, regulatory, and ethical compliance.

Position Summary

Advantest America is seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Counsel, Global Trade & Export Compliance to serve as the Company's principal subject matter expert for global trade compliance, US export controls, sanctions, customs, and related regulatory matters. This attorney will provide practical, business-focused legal advice across Advantest's worldwide operations about US export and trade related legal and regulatory matters and play a critical role in supporting the Company's global semiconductor equipment business.

Reporting directly to the Advantest America General Counsel and serving as a key member of the Advantest America Legal Department, this position will support the development, implementation, and continuous enhancement of Advantest's legal support and counseling for the trade compliance program regarding US export and trade laws and regulations. The successful candidate will partner closely with business leaders, engineering, supply chain, sales, logistics, procurement, government affairs, and compliance professionals across the United States, Japan, Europe, and Asia.

This role requires substantive expertise in U.S. export control and sanctions regulations, strong business judgment, and the ability to navigate complex global regulatory requirements affecting the semiconductor and semiconductor test industry.

Key Responsibilities

Global Trade & Export Compliance Leadership

• Serve as Advantest America’s primary legal advisor and global subject matter expert on:
  • U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
  • Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) regulations
  • U.S. economic sanctions administered by OFAC
  • Anti-boycott regulations
  • Customs and import compliance matters
  • Foreign trade and export control laws affecting global operations
• Monitor and assess regulatory developments affecting the semiconductor and advanced technology sectors, including evolving export controls on advanced computing, semiconductor manufacturing, semiconductor test equipment, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies.
• Provide strategic legal guidance to executive leadership regarding trade compliance risks, regulatory changes, and business opportunities.

Compliance Program Management

• Continuously input as a global subject matter expert (SME) about improvements to Advantest's global trade compliance program, policies, procedures, controls, and governance framework.
• Develop and implement risk-based compliance processes for:
  • Product classifications
  • Technology classifications
  • Export licensing
  • Restricted party screening
  • End-use and end-user reviews
  • Technology transfers
  • Deemed exports
  • Supply chain compliance
• Conduct export and trade focused compliance risk assessments and recommend corrective actions and program enhancements.
• Design and deliver training programs for employees, management, and key stakeholders globally.
• Collaborate with colleagues throughout Advantest's global organization to ensure consistent compliance standards and practices.

Business Transaction Support

• Advise internal clients on export control and sanctions implications of:
  • Sales transactions
  • Customer engagements
  • Distribution arrangements
  • Product development initiatives
  • Research and development collaborations
  • Technology sharing activities
  • International business operations
• Review and negotiate trade compliance provisions in commercial agreements.
• Support strategic business initiatives while ensuring compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.
• Working knowledge of ITAR, Federal Government contracting, and TCP management in a technology company a plus

Licensing, Government Engagement & Investigations

• Lead export licensing strategy and oversee preparation and submission of license applications and related filings in coordination with Trade Compliance Department.
• Serve as the legal lead for interactions with U.S. government agencies, including BIS, OFAC, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and other relevant regulatory authorities.
• Manage internal investigations, audits, disclosures, and responses relating to U.S. trade compliance matters.
• Advise on voluntary self-disclosures, remediation activities, and regulator engagement when necessary.
• Coordinate and manage outside counsel and external consultants supporting trade compliance matters.

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
• Minimum of 10 years of legal experience focused on export controls, trade compliance, sanctions, customs, and related regulatory matters.
• Significant experience counseling multinational technology, semiconductor, electronics, advanced manufacturing, or other highly regulated companies.
• Demonstrated expertise in:
  • U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
  • BIS licensing and enforcement matters
  • OFAC sanctions regulations
  • Anti-boycott requirements
  • Export classifications and licensing
  • Technology transfer controls
  • Deemed export compliance
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing trade compliance programs.
• Experience advising senior executives and business leaders on complex legal and regulatory issues.
• Strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Some regional and international travel will be required from time to time and is an essential part of the position.

Preferred

• Prior in-house experience at a global technology, semiconductor, semiconductor equipment, electronics, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing company or at a law firm with a substantive presence and practice supporting trade and export directly or in similar industry.
• Experience managing global trade compliance programs across multiple jurisdictions.
• Familiarity with customs, import compliance, free trade agreements, and global supply chain regulatory issues.
• Experience supporting investigations, regulatory audits, and voluntary disclosures.
• Understanding of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, semiconductor test equipment, artificial intelligence technologies, and related supply chains.
• International legal or compliance experience supporting operations in Asia, Europe, and North America.

Leadership Competencies

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Strategic thinking and strong business acumen.
• Ability to translate complex regulations into practical business guidance.
• Sound legal judgment and risk assessment capabilities.
• Strong executive presence and credibility.
• Ability to influence without direct authority in a global organization.
• Collaborative and solution-oriented approach.
• High integrity, professionalism, and commitment to compliance excellence.