Trade Compliance Specialist

ELECTRA; Manassas (VA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with immediate vesting

Free catered lunches

Free on-site parking

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

Electra in Manassas, VA is seeking a Trade Compliance Specialist to build and run its export/import compliance program. You will work with engineering, program management, supply chain, and legal to ensure ITAR/EAR compliance, accurate recordkeeping, and timely handling of licenses and screenings.

You will classify products, track regulatory updates, and support training and audits. This role offers growth as Electra expands its Ultra Short aircraft program and global operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of professional experience in export/import compliance or regulatory operations.
• Working knowledge of ITAR and EAR export controls.
• Experience with restricted party screening and export documentation.

Responsibilities

• Administer Electra's trade compliance program under ITAR, EAR, OFAC and related obligations.
• Classify products and data under U.S. export control laws and implement regulatory updates.
• Prepare and track export licenses (DSPs, TAAs, MLAs) and maintain audit-ready records.
• Coordinate HTS classifications and customs documentation for imports.
• Support cross-functional teams to integrate compliance into daily operations.
• Assist with internal audits and monitor compliance metrics.

Skills

Attention to detail

Regulatory knowledge

Cross-functional collaboration

Documentation accuracy

Audit support

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Legal Studies, or related field

Tools

OCR EASE

Visual Compliance

Job description

Air travel is about to become something more: more direct, more accessible, and more connected to the places where people live, work and want to be. Every day in the U.S., people make 35 million trips of 50-500 miles, stuck in traffic or routed through crowded hubs. Chances are, you've been one of them. At Electra, we're changing that with the EL9, a nine-passenger, hybrid-electric aircraft that takes off and lands in just 150 feet. Our Ultra Short technology opens up thousands of new places to fly, beyond conventional runways, congested airports and long drives. We're backed by Lockheed Martin, Honeywell and Safran. Operators worldwide have signed intent-to-purchase agreements for the first 2,200 aircraft we produce, and we're moving toward first test flights in 2027.

Getting a new kind of aircraft airborne takes more than ambition. It takes our kind of bold: people who think big while working in the real world. Who move ideas into action and collaborate without silos. Who put people first and make room at the table for everyone. Who challenge one another without diminishing one another.

Sound like you? Then look beyond what you thought were your own limits, and help us take flight beyond runways.

The Role

As our Trade Compliance Specialist, you'll support the administration of Electra's trade compliance program — helping to execute day-to-day compliance activities under ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and related import obligations as our operations grow. You'll work closely with internal stakeholders across engineering, program management, supply chain, and legal to keep our program running smoothly, maintain accurate records, and ensure the right processes are followed across the organization. This is a support and execution role with real growth potential. Electra is building its trade compliance function from the ground up, and the person in this seat will have the opportunity to grow with it over time.

What You'll Do

Export Regulatory Compliance

• Support the administration of Electra's compliance programs under ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and other applicable export regulations
• Assist with the classification of products, technical data, and services under U.S. export control laws
• Help track and implement regulatory updates as they occur

Licensing & Documentation

• Assist in preparing, submitting, and tracking export license applications and agreements, including DSPs, TAAs, and MLAs
• Maintain accurate, audit-ready records of licenses, classifications, and supporting documentation
• Conduct restricted party screenings (RPS) and embargo checks for customers, vendors, and partners
• Flag transactions and activities with potential export control risk and elevate appropriately

Import Compliance

• Support HTS classification and customs documentation for inbound materials and components
• Coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders on compliant import transactions

Cross-Functional Support

• Work with engineering, program management, HR, and supply chain to support compliance requirements in day-to-day operations
• Assist with review of contracts and statements of work for trade compliance considerations
• Support the development and delivery of export and import compliance training materials
• Help promote awareness of trade compliance obligations across the organization

Audit & Monitoring

• Assist with internal compliance audits and assessments
• Help track compliance metrics and support corrective action follow-through

What You Bring

• 5+ years of professional experience, including at least 1-2 years supporting export/import compliance, trade compliance, or regulatory operations
• Bachelor's degree in Business, International Trade, Legal Studies, or a related field; or equivalent experience
• Working knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and related U.S. export control regulations
• Familiarity with export license applications and agreements (DSPs, TAAs, MLAs) — prior exposure to the preparation or tracking process preferred
• Experience with restricted party screening and export documentation
• Familiarity with export compliance systems such as OCR EASE, Visual Compliance, or similar tools
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive documentation and recordkeeping requirements

Bonus Points

• Experience in defense, aerospace, or government contracting environments
• Familiarity with ECCN or USML classification processes
• Experience with import compliance or HTS classification
• Professional certification such as Certified Export Specialist (CES) or equivalent
• Prior experience at a startup or growing company

This range reflects the anticipated hiring range across all eligible locations; actual compensation is determined based on your relevant experience, skills, and geographic location. Total compensation includes performance bonus and comprehensive benefits.

Compensation Range

$90,000 - $110,000 USD

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; STD, LTD, and life insurance
• Generous PTO, sick leave, and company holidays
• Paid winter break
• 401(k) with immediate vesting
• Free catered lunches, coffee, snacks, and drinks at our Manassas headquarters
• Free on-site parking

Electra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. This position may be subject to ITAR requirements.