Trade Compliance Manager

Molecular Devices; San Francisco (CA); Remote; USD 130,000 - 145,000; Full time

Job summary

Molecular Devices, a Danaher operating company, is seeking a Trade Compliance Manager to lead import/export programs for the US and Canada, and to build a scalable global trade compliance framework that aligns with corporate policy.

You will drive tariff mitigation strategies, partner with Supply Chain, Logistics, R&D and Quality, implement controls and training, and monitor regulatory changes to minimize risk while traveling about 20–30% (onsite to San Jose and other sites).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required with 6+ years of experience in customs, export controls, or related field.
• Proficient knowledge of US export regulations (EAR, Census, OFAC, ECCN, licensing).
• Experience leading cross-functional projects in trade compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day trade compliance activities for the US and Canada and support global function.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Logistics, R&D, Quality to ensure alignment with trade laws and internal policies.
• Develop and improve trade compliance programs, SOPs, and controls for multiple regions.

Skills

Trade compliance

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Tariff mitigation

Analytics/BI

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?

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.

The Trade Compliance Manager is responsible for leading the trade compliance matters at Molecular Devices, ensuring adherence to the import and export regulations. This role will be focused on managing the trade compliance operations and implementing and optimizing a trade compliance program and driving tariff mitigation strategies. This individual is responsible for proactively identifying risks and opportunities, aligning trade compliance priorities with the strategic initiatives of Molecular Devices.

This position reports to the LSIG Director, Trade Compliance and is part of the Trade Compliance function that sits within the Legal & Compliance function. This will be a remote role with is a strong preference for candidates to be within west coast time zone.

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 20-30% (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 $130,000 to $145,000. 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.

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.

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].