Trade Compliance Manager

KDA, Inc, headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, has been operating in the United States for more than 20 years. We produce world-leading Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) for the US Army, Marine Corps, and allies at our Johnstown, Pennsylvania factory. We have delivered more than 20,000 PROTECTOR RWS to 28 countries. The National Advanced Surface-to-Air System (NASAMS) is a highly mobile and tailorable capability that protects the airspace of 13 countries and Washington, DC. In 2027, we will do final assembly, test, and sustainment of the Naval Strike Missile and Joint Strike Missile systems at a new factory in southern Virginia.

Join us, and you’ll be part of a high performing team that develops advanced technology solutions to protect people and critical infrastructure in countries around the world. Explore your potential and discover what your future could be with Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc.

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Trade Compliance Manager to join our team at KDA, Inc. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing and managing all aspects of trade compliance to ensure that our operations align with both domestic and international regulations. As a Trade Compliance Manager, you will play a critical role in safeguarding our organization from compliance risks while facilitating our global operations. Your expertise will contribute to navigating the complexities of export controls, import regulations, and sanctions. You will work closely with various stakeholders, including legal, supply chain, and operations teams, to develop and implement compliance strategies that enhance our business objectives. This position demands a proactive approach to identify potential compliance issues and address them before they arise. Additionally, you will play a key role in training and educating staff about compliance requirements, ensuring that our workforce is knowledgeable and compliant with relevant laws. We are looking for a leader who can adapt to the rapidly changing regulatory environment and establish best practices that will position our company as a leader in trade compliance within the defense and space sectors.

Responsibilities:

• Generate and submit import/export hardware/tech data license applications for the Department of State, Department of Commerce and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Knowledge of researching and determining ITAR USML Category and Commerce Department Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). Ensure compliance with approved licenses.
• Monitor and ensure compliance with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF).
• Track status of all export authorizations (TAA’s, WDAs, MLAs, ITAR licenses, etc.) from initial internal request to governmental approval. Ensure compliance with approved agreements and licenses. Notify management of violations.
• Draft Technical Assistance Agreements, Warehouse Distribution Agreements and Manufacturing License Agreements for review, then submittal to the Department of State.
• Maintain records of all transactions related to ITAR, EAR and ATF authorizations. Perform necessary yearly reporting.
• Prepare export shipping documentation (to various countries) and maintain export shipment records. Knowledge of Schedule B numbers and Harmonized Tariff Codes is preferred.
• Draft and maintain Export Compliance policies and procedures.
• Train new hires on the importance of export compliance as well as create a yearly training program for current employees consistent with corporate guidance and assure that the document is properly documented, fostering a culture of compliance throughout the organization.
• Coordinate import and export activity directly with freight forwarders and customs brokers as well as handling all customs issues, including Duty Free Entitlement.
• Screen visitors to the KDA Inc. facility as well as new companies and contractors through Visual Compliance.
• Strive for continuous improvements within Export Compliance.
• Work cross-functionally with business development, supply chain, and other relevant stakeholders to proactively draft as well as mange Technical Assistance Agreements (TAA), Manufacturing License Agreements (MLA), and Warehouse Distribution Agreements (WDA).
• Support managing a Technology Control Plan (TCP), with FOCI mitigation.
• Support internal compliance of trade by suggesting systems and autonomy.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor's degree in Business, International Relations, Law, or a related field. Alternatively, minimum of four-years of Trade Compliance experience plus a Certified Export Compliance Officer certificate.

NUMBER OF YEARS AND TYPE OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

5 years working knowledge of ITAR, Commerce [EAR] and ATF

Experience with investigating ITAR violations and drafting voluntary disclosures.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a keen attention to detail.

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to convey complex compliance information clearly.

Proven ability to work collaboratively with various departments and levels of management.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

Prior experience working in a classified environment, specifically in a FOCI-mitigated environment working under an SSA or Proxy Agreement.

Travel Requirements:

Up to 15% in a given year. International travel anticipated, will need a valid U.S. Passport.

Travel to Import/Export/ITAR/Commerce/ATF conferences/training will be required.

U.S. PERSON REQUIREMENT: “To comply with U.S. national security requirements mandated under the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. will consider only applicants who are U.S. Persons for this position.” OR “Applicant must be a U.S. Person within the meaning of United States International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) governing export control.” “A U.S. Person is a United States Citizen or National, Lawful Permanent Resident, Lawful Temporary Resident, Refugee or Asylee.”

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is part of Kongsberg Gruppen (KONGSBERG), an international knowledge-based group that supplies high technology systems and solutions to its customers engaged in oil and gas production, the merchant marine, and the defense and aerospace industries. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. performs final assembly and testing of Remote Weapon Stations. The company also performs repair and overhaul (R&O) of Remote Weapon Stations that come back from field operations. In addition to competitive wages, we provide an excellent package of benefits, which presently includes company-paid health, vision and dental insurance, 401(k) with competitive match, a 9/80 work schedule, life insurance, sick time and paid time off (PTO).

Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace, Inc. provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

401(k) matching

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

Flexible spending account

Health insurance

Life insurance

Paid time off

Sick time off

Tuition reimbursement

Vision insurance

Schedule:

Day shift

9/80 Schedule

Training:

6 months ( )