Senior Specialist, Trade Compliance - Aerospace & Defense
Job Description
Job DescriptionSenior Specialist, Trade Compliance – Aerospace & Defense
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Work Model: 100% On-Site (No hybrid or remote)
Schedule: 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)
Industry: Aerospace / Defense
Employment Type: Full-Time
Recruiting Partner: Northwest Talent Solutions (NWTS)
Position Overview
Northwest Talent Solutions (NWTS) is partnering with a U.S.-based aerospace and defense organization to identify a Senior Specialist, Trade Compliance to support international business operations while ensuring strict adherence to ITAR and EAR regulations.
This is a high-trust, high-impact compliance role requiring an experienced professional who can independently manage export/import compliance processes, licensing activities, and regulatory interpretation while partnering closely with Sales, Program Management, and cross-functional stakeholders.
Key ResponsibilitiesTrade Compliance Execution & Oversight
-
Execute divisional trade compliance policies, including visitor processing, foreign travel approvals, and restricted party screening
-
Provide day-to-day ITAR and EAR guidance to business partners across the organization
-
Review export activities for regulatory applicability, exemptions, and exceptions
Licensing & Authorization Management
-
Authorize and manage U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Commerce license and agreement applications
-
Maintain accurate and compliant license recordkeeping in accordance with regulatory requirements
-
Review export authorizations for accuracy and alignment with corporate trade policies
Policy & Regulatory Alignment
-
Implement and enforce corporate trade compliance policies and procedures
-
Ensure departmental alignment with current U.S. Government authorization requirements
-
Support ongoing understanding of regulatory changes and compliance expectations
Cross-Functional Partnership
-
Work closely with Sales, Program Management, and Operations to enable compliant international growth
-
Communicate compliance requirements clearly and effectively to stakeholders at all levels
-
Manage projects and compliance processes with minimal oversight
Required Qualifications
-
Bachelors degree with 6+ years of relevant trade compliance experience
OR Graduate degree with 4+ years of relevant experience
OR 10+ years of direct trade compliance experience in lieu of a degree -
Minimum 2+ years of hands-on experience with ITAR and EAR regulations
-
Demonstrated experience with export licensing and authorization management
-
Ability to work independently and exercise sound regulatory judgment
-
Strong organizational, prioritization, and documentation skills
-
High level of integrity, discretion, and attention to detail
-
Ability to work 100% on-site in Salt Lake City, UT
Preferred Experience
-
Aerospace or defense industry background
-
Direct ownership of ITAR/EAR licensing activities
-
Experience supporting international business operations
-
Familiarity with corporate trade compliance policy execution
-
Proficiency with common business software tools (Excel, Word, web-based applications)
Work Environment
This role is fully on-site and supports regulated aerospace and defense operations. The position requires close collaboration with internal stakeholders and consistent adherence to compliance protocols. Occasional travel may be required.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The hiring organization is an equal opportunity employer and evaluates qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.
Trade Compliance & Regulations
#TradeCompliance #ITAR #EAR #ExportControls #Licensing
Aerospace & Defense
#AerospaceCompliance #DefenseIndustry #InternationalTrade
Risk & Governance
#RegulatoryCompliance #ExportLicensing #CorporateCompliance