ITAR Trade Compliance Specialist
IPG Photonics, Huntsville, AL, United States
Description
IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in more than 30 locations around the world. We aspire to work together with our employees and customers to apply light in ways that improve life.
Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.
Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.
Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Export Compliance Specialist to join the IPG Photonics Corporation’s Global Trade & Compliance team. The role will be located onsite at IPG’s newly established IPG Defense business unit in Huntsville, Alabama, reporting to IPG’s Senior Director of Global Trade Compliance. This role ensures adherence to U.S. export and import regulations, including ITAR, EAR, and other applicable trade laws, while supporting efficient international business operations. The Export Compliance Specialist will be responsible for managing the day-to-day export of products, software, and technology both internally and externally. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally to manage licensing, classification, and compliance activities that enable secure and compliant global trade. The Export Compliance Specialist will play a key role in mitigating risk, maintaining compliance, and enabling efficient international trade activities for the IPG Defense business unit.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare and submit export license applications and agreements to U.S. Government agencies (DDTC, BIS)
Provide guidance on licensing strategies, exemptions, and proviso management
Ensure compliance for all aspects of U.S. Government authorizations, exemptions, and exceptions, including monitoring and maintaining licenses, agreements, and any required certifications and annual reports
Support sales and procurement activity, including restricted party screening and review of requests for quotes, purchase orders, sales leads, and vendors
Draft updates to IPG Defense business unit processes, checklists, guidelines and instructions
Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and other trade regulations for hardware, technical data, and services
Conduct export control classification (ECCN/USML) and country of origin determinations
Review of technical information intended for export for compliance with authorizations and appropriate markings
Manage and maintain records in accordance with regulatory requirements and internal policies
Track, status, and provide reports and metrics associated with trade compliance activities
Coordinate amongst the ITC team and with internal stakeholders to understand key business objectives and priorities and to develop export and import authorizations that allow for the efficient and timely export of technology, technical data, hardware, and services
Review and approve foreign travel requests and foreign visitors in consultation global Trade Compliance Organization
Contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance compliance and operational efficiency
Support audits, investigations, and internal compliance assessments.
Collaborate with internal teams (Engineering, Sales, Logistics, Legal, Purchasing) and external partners (freight forwarders, customs brokers)
Deliver export compliance training and contribute to process improvements
Monitor regulatory changes and update internal policies and procedures accordingly under the guidance of Legal
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and
5+ years of progressive experience in global trade compliance
Strong knowledge of ITAR and EAR
Significant experience with the application, use, and management of ITAR classifications, licenses, agreements, and exemptions
Experience with DDTC licensing and exemption usage
Hands‑on experience with export classification and license applications
Familiarity with DECCS, SNAP‑R, and trade compliance tools
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment. Proactive, organized, and detail‑oriented
Ability to adapt and grow in an expanding organization
Preferred Qualifications
Certified Export Compliance Professional (CECP) or similar certification
Understanding of FAR, DFAR and other government regulations applicable to defense contractors
Technical or engineering background is a plus
Knowledge of OFAC sanctions, customs compliance, and international shipping documentation
Proficiency with trade compliance software (e.g., OCR EASE, AmberRoad/e2open, Descartes/Visual Compliance) and data platforms (SharePoint, PowerBI)
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics
Experience with Facility Clearance
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Our mission is to develop innovative laser solutions to make the world a better place. To accomplish this mission, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent and an engaged and thriving workforce that drives a sustainable future for our company and society.
Working at IPG Photonics you can expect challenging projects, a motivating and friendly environment, and competitive benefits.
Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Export Compliance Specialist to join the IPG Photonics Corporation’s Global Trade & Compliance team. The role will be located onsite at IPG’s newly established IPG Defense business unit in Huntsville, Alabama, reporting to IPG’s Senior Director of Global Trade Compliance. This role ensures adherence to U.S. export and import regulations, including ITAR, EAR, and other applicable trade laws, while supporting efficient international business operations. The Export Compliance Specialist will be responsible for managing the day-to-day export of products, software, and technology both internally and externally. The successful candidate will work cross-functionally to manage licensing, classification, and compliance activities that enable secure and compliant global trade. The Export Compliance Specialist will play a key role in mitigating risk, maintaining compliance, and enabling efficient international trade activities for the IPG Defense business unit.
Key Responsibilities
Prepare and submit export license applications and agreements to U.S. Government agencies (DDTC, BIS)
Provide guidance on licensing strategies, exemptions, and proviso management
Ensure compliance for all aspects of U.S. Government authorizations, exemptions, and exceptions, including monitoring and maintaining licenses, agreements, and any required certifications and annual reports
Support sales and procurement activity, including restricted party screening and review of requests for quotes, purchase orders, sales leads, and vendors
Draft updates to IPG Defense business unit processes, checklists, guidelines and instructions
Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, OFAC, and other trade regulations for hardware, technical data, and services
Conduct export control classification (ECCN/USML) and country of origin determinations
Review of technical information intended for export for compliance with authorizations and appropriate markings
Manage and maintain records in accordance with regulatory requirements and internal policies
Track, status, and provide reports and metrics associated with trade compliance activities
Coordinate amongst the ITC team and with internal stakeholders to understand key business objectives and priorities and to develop export and import authorizations that allow for the efficient and timely export of technology, technical data, hardware, and services
Review and approve foreign travel requests and foreign visitors in consultation global Trade Compliance Organization
Contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives to enhance compliance and operational efficiency
Support audits, investigations, and internal compliance assessments.
Collaborate with internal teams (Engineering, Sales, Logistics, Legal, Purchasing) and external partners (freight forwarders, customs brokers)
Deliver export compliance training and contribute to process improvements
Monitor regulatory changes and update internal policies and procedures accordingly under the guidance of Legal
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and
5+ years of progressive experience in global trade compliance
Strong knowledge of ITAR and EAR
Significant experience with the application, use, and management of ITAR classifications, licenses, agreements, and exemptions
Experience with DDTC licensing and exemption usage
Hands‑on experience with export classification and license applications
Familiarity with DECCS, SNAP‑R, and trade compliance tools
Excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills
Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast‑paced environment. Proactive, organized, and detail‑oriented
Ability to adapt and grow in an expanding organization
Preferred Qualifications
Certified Export Compliance Professional (CECP) or similar certification
Understanding of FAR, DFAR and other government regulations applicable to defense contractors
Technical or engineering background is a plus
Knowledge of OFAC sanctions, customs compliance, and international shipping documentation
Proficiency with trade compliance software (e.g., OCR EASE, AmberRoad/e2open, Descartes/Visual Compliance) and data platforms (SharePoint, PowerBI)
Experience with Microsoft Dynamics
Experience with Facility Clearance
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