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ITAR Trade Compliance Specialist - Huntsville, AL

IPG Photonics, Huntsville, AL, United States


Job 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

Requirements

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

Location(s) Huntsville, Alabama 35801, United States

Employment Type Exempt

US Benefits Information Pay Range :

The pay range on this posting applies to the role in the primary location specified. If the candidate would ultimately work outside of the primary location posted, the applicable range could differ. Actual starting pay is determined by a number of factors including relevant skills, qualifications, and experience.

Other Compensation : Employees in this role are eligible for additional rewards which could include:

Annual Discretionary Bonus or Sales Bonus as Applicable

Equity awards as applicable

Benefits Provided : All Regular* US employees receive:

Paid vacation time accrued based on years of service

Paid sick time

12 (twelve) Paid Holidays Each Calendar Year

*Prorated for reduced hour schedules

Additional Benefits Offered : IPG also offers access to:

Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans with options for HSA/FSA

Dependent Care FSA

Paid Basic Life and AD&D Insurance

Short‑term and Long‑term Disability insurance

401(k) plan with Company matching

Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Adoption Assistance

Pet Insurance

Parental Bonding Leave

Bright Horizons Backup Care

Bright Horizons College Coach

*Benefits eligibility may differ by program for reduced hour schedules

Deadline and How to Apply This job posting will remain active until a candidate is identified and/or the Company rescinds the job posting.

For full consideration, please click on the link to apply.

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