Trade Compliance Manager

Molecular Devices; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 145,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Medical/dental/vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

Molecular Devices, a Danaher operating company, seeks a Senior Trade Compliance Specialist to lead cross-functional trade compliance across US, Canada, and Europe. You will manage daily activities, ensure regulatory alignment, and drive cost-saving initiatives in a dynamic life sciences manufacturing environment.

You will apply deep knowledge of EAR, HTS, licensing, and export controls while coordinating with Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Quality teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 6+ years of experience in customs, export controls, or related field.
• Proficient knowledge of US export regulations including EAR, Census, OFAC, ECCN, licensing, and restricted party screening.
• Advanced expertise in U.S. customs regulations including valuation, HTS classification, origin determination, and import compliance.
• Working knowledge of Canadian and EU import/export regulations and their application.
• Experience implementing tariff mitigation strategies and cost-reduction programs.
• Ability to travel ~25-30% (onsite to San Jose, CA and other locations).

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day trade compliance operational activities for Molecular Devices within the US and Canada and support the trade compliance function globally.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Logistics, R&D, Quality and other key stakeholders to provide SME on trade compliance requirements and ensure alignment with laws and internal policies.
• Lead tariff mitigation and duty saving strategies including first sale, duty drawback, country of origin determinations, and cost-avoidance initiatives.
• Develop, implement, and improve trade compliance programs, policies, SOPs, and internal controls for US, Canada, and Europe.
• Identify and execute process improvements to enhance compliance efficiency and reduce regulatory risk.

Skills

Trade compliance

US export regulations

Cross-functional projects

Tariff mitigation

Travel readiness

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Oracle

ERP systems

Power BI

Job description

Bring more to life.

Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?

Bring more to life.

Are you ready to accelerate your potential and make a real difference within life sciences, diagnostics and biotechnology?

At Molecular Devices, one of Danaher’s 15+ operating companies, our work saves lives—and we’re all united by a shared commitment to innovate for tangible impact.

You’ll thrive in a culture of belonging where you and your unique viewpoint matter. And by harnessing Danaher’s system of continuous improvement, you help turn ideas into impact – innovating at the speed of life.

Join Molecular Devices and help drive scientific discovery for life science customers in academia, biotech, pharma, and government. Our automated and AI-enabled technology empowers researchers to tackle complex questions and gain deep insights, accelerating the development of safer, more effective therapeutics. As part of our team—rooted in collaboration, authenticity, and innovation—you’ll ultimately contribute to groundbreaking science that enhances lives globally and shapes a healthier future for all.

Learn about the Danaher Business System which makes everything possible.

In This Role, You Will Have The Opportunity To

• Manage day-to-day trade compliance operational activities for Molecular Devices within the US and Canada and support the trade compliance function globally.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Logistics, R&D, Quality and other key stakeholders to provide subject matter expertise on trade compliance requirements, ensure alignment with all applicable trade laws and internal trade compliance policies and procedures.
• Lead key tariff mitigation and duty saving strategies, including first sale, duty drawback, country of origin determinations, reconciliation, Section 232 tariffs assessments, and cost-avoidance initiatives that support the financial business objectives and supply chain flows.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve trade compliance programs, policies, SOPs, and internal controls for U.S., Canada, and Europe to strengthen organizational capability and ensure consistent compliance standards globally.
• Proactively identify, assess, and execute process improvements and value-add opportunities that enhance compliance efficiency, minimize regulatory risk exposure, and drive cost reductions.

The Essential Requirements Of The Job Include

• Bachelor’s degree required with 6+ years of experience in customs, export controls, or related field, demonstrating success in managing trade compliance programs and leading cross functional projects.
• Proficient knowledge of US export regulations, including the EAR, Census, OFAC sanctions, Commerce Control List, ECCN classification, export licensing, and restricted party screening.
• Advanced expertise in U.S. customs regulations, including customs valuation, HTS classification, country of origin determination, and import compliance requirements.
• Working knowledge of the Canadian and EU import and export trade regulations and their application in day-to-day operational and regulatory decision making.
• Demonstrated experience in implementing tariff mitigation strategies, such as free trade agreements, duty drawback, reconciliation, and similar cost-reduction programs.
• Ability to travel – approximately 25-30% (onsite to San Jose, CA and other locations)

It would be a plus if you also possess previous experience in:

• U.S. Licensed Customs Broker (highly preferred)
• Experience with Oracle, EPR systems, and data analytics/visualization tools (e.g., Power BI)
• Previous experience working in a manufacturing environment preferably within the life sciences manufacturing industry.

Molecular Devices, a Danaher operating company, offers a broad array of comprehensive, competitive benefit programs that add value to our lives. Whether it’s a health care program or paid time off, our programs contribute to life beyond the job. Check out our benefits at Danaher Benefits Info.

The annual salary range for this role is $145,000 to $170,000. This is the range that we in good faith believe is the range of possible compensation for this role at the time of this posting. This range may be modified in the future.

This job is also eligible for bonus/incentive pay.

We offer comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with the law.

Join our winning team today. Together, we’ll accelerate the real-life impact of tomorrow’s science and technology. We partner with customers across the globe to help them solve their most complex challenges, architecting solutions that bring the power of science to life.

For more information, visit www.danaher.com.

Danaher Corporation and all Danaher Companies are committed to equal opportunity regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other characteristics protected by law.

The U.S. EEO posters are available here.

For candidates who are based outside of New York City or who are applying for roles outside of New York City, for more information about conditions of any job offer please click here.

We comply with federal and state disability laws and make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact:1-202-419-7762 or [e-mail].