Senior Import/Export Specialist

KLA; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with company matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

KLA, based in Milpitas, CA, is seeking a Senior Export Specialist to drive U.S. export controls, compliance, and related import operations. You will partner with Legal, Logistics, and Engineering to standardize processes, improve data quality, and implement automation across global trade activities.

The role emphasizes complex classification, license assessment, and cross-functional collaboration to maintain regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Experience with export controls and trade compliance concepts is a plus.
• Strong data analysis and ability to translate findings into business actions.
• Experience with automation and data visualization tools preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support ECCN determinations and classifications for semiconductor equipment and related tech.
• Contribute to export control reviews, license assessments, and screening activities.
• Design and improve export/import processes, controls, and governance procedures.
• Develop dashboards and analytics to monitor trade compliance KPIs.
• Collaborate with Legal, Logistics, Supply Chain, Engineering, and regional teams to ensure compliance.

Job description

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

The Legal Compliance Organization (LCO) team headquartered in Milpitas, CA and second headquarters in Ann Arbor, MI provides legal guidance to further KLA’s strategic objectives and protect and preserve the legal, ethical and financial integrity and reputation of the Company. With specific expertise in the areas of corporate law, commercial law, employment law, and intellectual property; the LCO offers strategic legal counsel that is informed by a clear understanding of the company’s business objectives and expertise in the laws and regulations relevant to the business worldwide.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

The Senior Export Specialist is a key member of the Global Trade Compliance team responsible for ensuring compliant, efficient, and scalable import and export operations with a primary focus on U.S. export controls and export compliance, while supporting import compliance. This role is responsible for complex tariff classification, export control compliance activities, import compliance controls, analytics, audit support, process design, and cross-functional trade compliance initiatives.

The position partners closely with Legal, Logistics, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Product Management, Customs Brokers, and regional trade teams to standardize processes, improve data quality, implement automation opportunities, and maintain compliance with export control, sanctions, and customs regulations across global trade operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Support GTC's Classification Engineering Lead in ECCN determinations, export jurisdiction/classification reviews, and maintain HS/HTS classifications for semiconductor equipment, spare parts, components, electronics, software, and related technologies.
• Support export control reviews, restricted party screening escalations, license requirement assessments / decrementing, license exception analysis, and voluntary disclosure evaluations, as needed.
• post-clearance reviews, disclosures, and compliance inquiries.
• Design, document, and continuously improve export/import processes, controls, SOPs, and governance procedures.
• Develop exception reporting, validation controls, systemic data feeds, and compliance monitoring metrics for ECCN, license determination/decrementing, restricted party screening, HTS, origin, and clearance data.
• Develop and maintain Power BI dashboards, compliance analytics, and exception reporting to monitor key trade compliance KPIs.
• Identify operational and regulatory risks, and drive data-driven decision making. Partner closely with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and external service providers to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, and alignment with broker instructions, service level expectations, and established standard operating procedures.
• Lead trade compliance projects, system enhancements, and automation initiatives.
• Coordinate with logistics providers, customs brokers, procurement, engineering, and manufacturing teams to standardize global processes.
• Support internal and external audits and conduct periodic reviews of trade compliance controls and records.
• Monitor regulatory changes related to export controls, sanctions, customs, and trade remedies and present risk assessments and recommendations to senior leadership.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Worked within semiconductor, electronics, advanced manufacturing, or other technology industries, especially environments involving controlled technology, software, encryption, or sophisticated global supply chains.
• Solid understanding of EAR requirements, ECCN classification, export licensing concepts, restricted party screening, sanctions/embargo controls, and technology/software transfer considerations.
• Understanding of U.S. Customs regulations, tariff classification, valuation, country of origin, and import documentation.
• Experience responding to export control inquiries, customs audits, and regulatory inquiries.
• LCB, CCS, CES, or similar certification preferred.
• Experience with SAP GTS, SAP, ACE reporting, or trade management systems.
• Experience crafting controls, validations, automation solutions, and exception-based monitoring for export controls and import compliance.
• Sophisticated Power BI dashboard development and data visualization.
• Advanced Excel skills including Power Query, Pivot Tables, and XLOOKUP.
• Ability to analyze large datasets and translate findings into business actions.
• Experience supporting workflow automation and digital transformation initiatives across export classification, screening, licensing, and import compliance processes.

Core Competencies

• Export Control Expertise
• Executive Communication
• Process Develop & Continuous Improvement
• Project Leadership
• Risk Management & Audit Readiness
• Data-Driven Decision Making

Minimum Qualifications

• Doctorate (Academic) Degree and related work experience of 3 years; Master's Level Degree and related work experience of 6 years; Bachelor's Level Degree and related work experience of 8 years

Base Pay Range

$100,000.00 - $170,000.00 Annually

Primary Location

USA-MI-Ann Arbor-KLA

KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.

Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.