Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components.
Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients. Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements.
Kearfott offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401K, and Tuition Reimbursement. We offer a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off.
We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class work force. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected world-wide as a ‘full service’ provider.
For more information, visit our website at www.kearfott.com
Job Summary:
The Trade Compliance Specialist role involves executing daily compliance activities related to international trade at Kearfott's Brownsville, TX and Black Mountain, NC facilities. This role supports export/import operations, licensing activities, investigations, and training initiatives while partnering cross-functionally to maintain compliance and support international business growth. Additionally, this role focuses on managing US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classifications and Electronic Export Information (EEI) filings for our advanced aerospace and defense product lines.
Key Responsibilities:
- Analyze complex navigation systems, avionics, electronics, and hardware to assign precise HTSUS/Schedule B codes under General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs).
- Prepare, review, and submit accurate EEI via AES/ACE for all international exports and license-controlled shipments.
- Align HTS determinations with ECCN and USML classifications in collaboration with engineering and legal teams.
- Review shipment documentation for compliance with ITAR, EAR, and Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR) requirements including export authorizations, HTS/ECCN classification, country of origin, and valuation.
- Perform post-filing audits on EEI records, commercial invoices, and shipping documents to maintain full regulatory compliance.
- Advise logistics, procurement, and shipping teams on customs valuation, country of origin, and tariff preference programs.
Qualifications & Requirements:
- Minimum High School Diploma or GED/equivalent required.
- 3+ years of experience in trade compliance, import/export regulations, or a related field in the USA and Mexico.
- Strong understanding of U.S. export regulations including ITAR, EAR, FTR, OFAC, and customs regulations.
- Working knowledge of the ACE AESDirect portal and managing export data within ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle).
- Direct knowledge of HTS classification and EEI filings.
- Operational expertise in HTSUS, Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR 15 CFR Part 30), ITAR, EAR, and CBP guidelines.
- Skills:
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and training abilities.
- Attention to detail and ability to manage complex regulatory processes.
- Must be US Citizen.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in the aerospace, defense, or advanced technology manufacturing industries.
- Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) or Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer (CUSECO).
- Experience handling dual-use technologies and ITAR-controlled defense articles.
This position is 100% onsite at our Brownsville, TX location.
Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans
Skills Required
- High School Diploma or GED/equivalent
- 3+ years of experience in trade compliance, import/export regulations, or a related field in the USA and Mexico
- Strong understanding of U.S. export regulations, including ITAR, EAR, FTR, OFAC, and customs regulations
- Working knowledge of the ACE AESDirect portal
- Experience managing export data within ERP systems such as SAP or Oracle
- Direct knowledge of HTS classification and EEI filings
- Operational expertise in HTSUS, FTR 15 CFR Part 30, ITAR, EAR, and CBP guidelines
- Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
- Strong communication and training abilities
- Attention to detail and ability to manage complex regulatory processes
- Must be a U.S. citizen
- Experience in aerospace, defense, or advanced technology manufacturing industries
- Licensed Customs Broker or Certified U.S. Export Compliance Officer certification
- Experience handling dual-use technologies and ITAR-controlled defense articles
What We Do
Kearfott Corporation is a leader in the design, manufacture, and support of high-performance guidance, navigation, and motion-control products. The company provides cutting-edge technology for aerospace, defense, energy exploration, and unmanned system markets, serving both military and commercial applications globally across sea, land, air, and space environments.
