Senior Import Compliance Manager

Please Note: To conform with the United States Government Space Technology Export Regulations, the applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., conditional resident, asylee or refugee (protected individuals as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
At CesiumAstro, we are developers and pioneers of out-of-the-box communication systems for satellites, UAVs, launch vehicles, and other space and airborne platforms. We take pride in our dynamic and cross-functional work environment, which allows us to learn, develop, and engage across our organization. If you are looking for hands-on, interactive, and autonomous work, CesiumAstro is the place for you. We are actively seeking passionate, collaborative, energetic, and forward-thinking individuals to join our team.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Import Compliance Manager, to support our global import operations, customs compliance activities, and duty savings initiatives across aerospace programs and supply chains. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced startup environment and are passionate about import compliance within a growing aerospace company, we would like to hear from you.

In this role, you will serve as a subject matter expert on U.S. import regulations, including U.S. Customs regulations, Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification, Section 301 and Section 232 tariffs, Free Trade Agreements, and related trade laws. This position provides strategic guidance and oversight on complex compliance matters across aerospace and defense programs.

The Senior Manager, Import Compliance will partner closely with leadership, Supply Chain, Engineering, Procurement, Finance, Shipping/Logistics teams, external freight forwarders, customs brokers, and regulatory agencies to ensure the company maintains robust import compliance practices while supporting business objectives in global markets. This role will also work closely with CesiumAstro’s international branches to support regional import compliance requirements, trade regulations, and operational best practices.

This role is instrumental in building and scaling import compliance programs, driving operational excellence, mitigating risk, and identifying cost savings opportunities across the business.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the company’s import compliance program across aerospace and global supply chain operations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain import compliance procedures, work instructions, internal controls, and governance frameworks.
• Establish scalable import processes and provide operational oversight for import activities.
• Train and support shipping and logistics teams on compliant import practices and documentation requirements.
• Serve as the company’s internal subject matter expert on customs compliance and import regulations.
• Partner with international branches to support regional import compliance requirements and promote standardized global trade compliance practices.
• Lead customs duty mitigation initiatives and aerospace-related tariff exemption strategies, including:
• HTS classification and tariff engineering
• Section 301, Section 232, and IEEPA mitigation opportunities
• USMCA and other Free Trade Agreements
• Temporary importation and repair/return programs (e.g., 9801, 9802, TIB)
• Drawback and other customs recovery programs
• Provide strategic guidance on import declarations, country of origin, customs valuation, and preferential trade claims.
• Review and validate HTS classifications and special tariff provisions applicable to aerospace products and components.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to identify opportunities for duty savings, process improvements, and risk reduction.
• Support audits, broker management activities, disclosures, protests, post-entry corrections, and government inquiries related to customs compliance.
• Monitor regulatory and tariff changes impacting aerospace imports and communicate business impacts and recommendations to leadership.
• Collaborate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, government agencies, and international teams to ensure compliant and efficient import operations.
• Support implementation and optimization of trade compliance processes and systems.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives through data analysis, reporting, and operational metrics.
• Develop training materials and deliver compliance training to cross-functional teams.

JOB REQUIREMENTS AND MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, Logistics, Legal Studies, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A Bachelor's Degree and minimum 8 years of relevant experience; or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 5 years of relevant experience.
• 5+ years of experience in import customs compliance, global trade, or international logistics.
• Licensed Customs Broker (LCB) certification required.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations and import processes, HTS classification and tariff application, and duty mitigation strategies and Free Trade Agreements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret regulations and apply them operationally.
• Experience collaborating with customs brokers, freight forwarders, government agencies, and international business partners.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and stakeholder management skills.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE

• Experience in aerospace, aviation, defense, or high-technology manufacturing industries strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of EAR/ITAR and broader import/export compliance concepts.
• Experience managing post-entry corrections, customs protests, customs audits and disclosures, and duty drawback initiatives

CesiumAstro considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. Full-time employment offers include company stock options and a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, HSA, FSA, life, disability and retirement plans. CesiumAstro is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected Veteran Status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
Please note: CesiumAstro does not accept unsolicited resumes from contract agencies or search firms. Any unsolicited resumes submitted to our website or to CesiumAstro team members will be considered property of CesiumAstro, and we will not be obligated to pay any referral fees.