Global Trade Compliance Director

Rocket Lab is a global leader in launch and space systems. The rockets and satellites we build and launch enable some of the most ambitious and vital space missions globally, supporting scientific exploration, Earth observation and missions to combat climate change, national security, and exciting new technology demonstrations. Our Electron rocket has provided reliable access to orbit since 2018, becoming one of the most frequently launched rockets in the world. Neutron will be our next rocket on the launch pad, an advanced 13-tonne payload class, reusable rocket to launch the mega constellations of the future. Our space systems business includes our extensive line of satellites and components that have enabled more than 1,700 missions including the James Webb Space Telescope, NASA Psyche Mission, Artemis I, Mars Ingenuity helicopter, and more.

Join our pioneering team and launch your career to new heights!

GLOBAL TRADE COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR

The International Trade Compliance Professional is a subject matter expert in U.S. trade compliance, responsible for the development, implementation, documentation and maintenance of a comprehensive and efficient trade compliance program. Must properly manage the day-to-day processing of export and import activities. Must provide annual and functional trade compliance training. Has the independent authority to inquire into any aspect of a proposed export or import, verifying its legality and accuracy of the information being submitted, and stop any transactions.

WHAT YOU’LL GET TO DO:

• Prepare, review, and submit applications for export/import licenses, permits, and other requests for authorization from the U.S. Government.
• Implement, maintain, improve and monitor a trade compliance program for the Company.
• Advise management staff about trade compliance aspects and risks of proposed business decisions.
• Analyze and interpret export and import regulations and maintain current knowledge of changes affecting the business.
• Review with department managers their trade compliance internal controls (procedures, work instructions, forms, checklists, and tools) for accuracy and compliance.
• Review incoterms, harmonized tariff code and classifications for accuracy.
• Prepare, review and approve technology control plans, and provide technology transfer oversight (including visits and travel).
• Review technical data/technology transfers for marking and classification requirements to minimize risk of diversion.
• Ongoing development and management of standardized audit and testing processes needed to identify potential trade compliance issues associated with operational procedures.
• Collaboratively analyze imports and exports ensure international, customer, and supplier requirements are met.
• Monitor international inbound and outbound orders, investigating and expediting those orders which have been delayed.
• Prepare, update, retain requisite domestic and international import and export documentation.
• Review and verify export shipping documentation for ad-hoc and other non-routine shipments.
• Oversee relationships with freight forwarders and customs brokers.
• Maintain the highest ethical standards, even when challenged from management.
• Management of priorities, provide good customer service, must provide timely responses/guidance, and complete projects on schedule.

YOU’LL BRING THESE QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, or related fields of study; Will consider minimum 15 years of professional export compliance, experience in lieu of degree.
• 12 years minimum of specialized experience in trade compliance for manufacturing and/or aerospace industries.
• Program Management/Organizational Skills necessary to implement, maintain, improve and monitor the Company’s trade compliance program.
• 3 years minimum of combined experience and work-knowledge with DECCS, SNAP-R, Visual Compliance, OCR and ACE.
• Demonstrated knowledge of trade regulations, including Jurisdiction/Classification (J/C) and HTS classification.
• Demonstrated knowledge of drafting and managing complex export authorizations (ITAR Agreements, Amendments, and Licenses, Commerce Technology Licenses)
• Must be US Person per ITAR compliance
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance. .

THESE QUALIFICATIONS WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE:

• Expert knowledge with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Export Administration Regulations (EAR) including anti-boycott regulations, sanctions administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Customs Regulations (CR), and the Foreign Trade Regulations (FTR).
• Strong computer skills including ability to research transactions and prepare reports in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) or Manufacturing Resource Planning (MRP) information systems, perform spreadsheet calculations, and quickly learn new software tools.
• Familiar with Special Security Agreement (SSA), National Industrial Security Program Operating Manual (NISPOM) and Classified programs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work at both detail and strategic levels, work calmly under pressure and with frequent interruptions, and display sound judgment.
• Ability to prepare or revise procedures, work instructions, forms, and business flowcharts.
• Ability to prepare and review business documents.
• Ability to present and speak eloquently on all facets of trade compliance.

The expected salary range for the position is displayed in accordance with the California Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. Final agreed upon compensation is based upon individual qualifications and experience.

Base salary is only one part of Rocket Lab’s compensation package for this role. You may be eligible for company stock, stock options, or cash incentives, and can purchase discounted stock through Rocket Lab’s Employee Stock Purchase Program. Employee benefits may also include medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401(k) retirement plan options; paid vacation , holidays , and sick leave ; paid parental leave; and other discounts and perks.

Base Pay Range (CA Only)

$130,000 – $210,000 USD

WHAT TO EXPECT

We’re on a mission to unlock the potential of space to improve life on Earth, but that’s not an easy task. It takes hard work, determination, relentless innovation, teamwork, grit, and an unwavering commitment to achieving what others often deem impossible. Our people out-think, out-work and out-pace. We pride ourselves on having each other’s backs, checking our egos at the door, and rolling up our sleeves on all tasks big and small. We thrive under pressure, work to tight deadlines, and our focus is always on how we can deliver, rather than dwelling on the challenges that stand in the way.

Important information:

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN US OFFICES ONLY:

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), Rocket Lab Employees must be a U.S. citizen, lawful U.S. permanent resident (i.e., current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce, as applicable. Learn more about ITAR here .

Rocket Lab provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment at Rocket Lab, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application/interview process for a job in the United States should contact Giulia Biow at [redacted]. This dedicated resource is intended solely to assist job seekers with disabilities whose disability prevents them from being able to apply/interview. Only messages left for this purpose will be considered. A response to your request may take up to two business days.

FOR CANDIDATES SEEKING TO WORK IN NEW ZEALAND OFFICES ONLY:

For security reasons background checks will be undertaken prior to any employment offers being made to an applicant. These checks will include nationality checks as it is a requirement of this position that you be eligible to access equipment and data regulated by the United States’ International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

Under these Regulations, you may be ineligible for this role if you do not hold citizenship of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland, the European Union or a country that is part of NATO, or if you hold ineligible dual citizenship or nationality. For more information on these Regulations, click here ITAR Regulations.