Trade Classification Lead

KLA; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 204,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA seeks a Trade Compliance Engineer to ensure products, technologies, and business activities comply with international trade regulations across the product lifecycle.

You will serve as the primary technical liaison between engineering, product management, supply chain, legal, and global trade compliance teams to support product classification, licensing determinations, technology transfers, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of experience in trade compliance, export controls, customs compliance, or regulatory engineering roles.
• Experience interpreting technical product specifications and engineering documentation.
• Strong knowledge of export control and customs regulations.
• Experience with global trade management systems (SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, MIC Customs Solutions, OCR Services, Descartes).

Responsibilities

• Perform technical reviews of products, software, technology, and components to determine appropriate Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications
• Analyze engineering specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), technical drawings, and product documentation for classification purposes.
• Partner with engineering teams to understand product functionality, technical capabilities, encryption features, and end-use applications.
• Develop and improve processes for product classifications.
• Support trade compliance with technology initiatives and system integrations.
• Partner with IT and business teams to automate classification management, compliance controls, and reporting.
• Develop and provide classification guidance and training to teams across enterprise.
• Other tasks as required.

Skills

Analytical skills

Documentation skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or advanced technical degree

Master's or PhD with experience

Tools

SAP GTS

Oracle GTM

MIC Customs Solutions

Descartes

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.

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 Trade Compliance Engineer is responsible for ensuring products, technologies, software, and business activities comply with applicable international trade regulations, including U.S. export controls, customs regulations, sanctions programs, and global import/export requirements. This role serves as the primary technical liaison between engineering, product management, supply chain, legal, and global trade compliance teams to support product classification, licensing determinations, technology transfers, and regulatory compliance throughout the product lifecycle.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical knowledge with expertise in trade regulations and has experience working within complex manufacturing, technology, semiconductor, aerospace, telecommunications, or high-tech environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Perform technical reviews of products, software, technology, and components to determine appropriate Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) and Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications
• Analyze engineering specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), technical drawings, and product documentation for classification purposes.
• Partner with engineering teams to understand product functionality, technical capabilities, encryption features, and end-use applications.
• Develop and improve processes for product classifications.
• Support trade compliance with technology initiatives and system integrations.
• Partner with IT and business teams to automate classification management, compliance controls, and reporting.
• Develop and provide classification guidance and training to teams across enterprise.
• Other tasks as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline
• 5+ years of experience in trade compliance, export controls, customs compliance, or regulatory engineering roles.
• Experience interpreting technical product specifications and engineering documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and documentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of export control and customs regulations.
• Experience with SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, MIC Customs Solutions, OCR Services, Descartes, or Other global trade management systems
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or advanced technical degree.
• Experience supporting global multinational organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelors degree plus 12 years' experience; or Masters degree plus 8 years' experience; or PhD plus 5 years' experience

Base Pay Range: $120,000.00 - $204,000.00 Annually Primary Location: USA-MI-Ann Arbor-KLAKLA'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.