Trade Compliance Specialist

About Us:

How many companies can say they’ve been in business for over 177 years?!

Here at ZEISS, we certainly can! As the pioneers of science, ZEISS handles the everchanging environments in a fast-paced world, meeting it with cutting edge of technologies and continuous advancements. ZEISS believes that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global change. We have a diverse range of portfolios throughout the ZEISS family in segments like, Industrial Quality & Research, Medical Technology, Consumer Markets and Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology. We are a global company with over 42,000 employees and have over 4,000 in the US and Canada alone! Make a difference, come join the team!

Location/Region: This position is located in White Plains, NY

What’s the role?

The Trade Compliance Specialist is an experienced professional responsible for ensuring compliance with U.S. trade regulations, particularly in import and export operations. The role focuses on supporting Carl Zeiss Business Units in adhering to regulations from agencies such as U.S. Customs, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), OFAC, and DDTC. A key aspect of the role involves enhancing trade compliance processes through the implementation of SAP/AEB S4/HANA solutions.

Sound Interesting?

Here’s what you’ll do:

Global Trade Compliance Program Support

• Assist in the implementation and management of the Global Trade Compliance Program for assigned SBUs.

Daily Trade Compliance Operations

• Classify products in accordance with the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) and Export Control Classification Number (ECCN).

• Draft binding Customs rulings for tariff classifications, when required.

• Maintain accurate records for export, import, and customs processes.

• Collect and organize documentation to support the Duty Drawback program.

• Prepare information for export licenses, draft export licenses, and submit CCATS in SNAP-R.

• Ensure compliance with sanctions, embargoes, and related regulations affecting Business Unit (BU) activities.

• Perform denied party screenings using automated tools, releasing blocked parties in SAP/AEB systems as needed.

• Coordinate and monitor document transfers via Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) for freight forwarders and export/import transactions.

Import Compliance

• Work with Partner Government Agencies (PGAs), such as the FDA, to ensure compliance during import processes for manufacturing equipment (e.g., SMT semiconductors, lasers).

Audits and Corrective Action Plans

• Conduct monthly compliance audits for imports and exports, including reviews of CBP Form 7501 and corrective action plans.

• Address U.S. Government agency inquiries, such as CBP Form 28, CBP Form 29, protests, antidumping/countervailing duty cases, and ECCN classifications.

Process Management and Improvement

• Oversee and guide customs brokers and freight forwarders on trade compliance processes.

• Monitor ACE system activities, generate reports, and act as an ACE system administrator for Business Units.

• Identify and implement continuous process improvements for import/export operations.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with cross-functional teams to review compliance requirements for imported and exported products.

• Provide guidance and training to internal teams and external partners on trade compliance best practices.

Regulatory Compliance

• Stay updated on U.S. trade compliance regulations and ensure adherence to all relevant requirements.

• Assist in maintaining trade compliance programs and processes, including audits and annual reviews.

Other Responsibilities

• Support the Trade Compliance Manager with compliance audits and special projects.

• Conduct assessments to identify compliance risks and opportunities for improvement.

• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Do you qualify?

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in International Business, Supply Chain, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Experience: 3–5 years in Customs Compliance with expertise in EAR, ITAR, FTA programs, FDA, SNAP-R, C-TPAT, ACE, ISA, and global logistics. Customs Broker License and SAP experience are a plus.

• Skills: Strong proficiency in ACE, Excel, SharePoint, and MS Office. Excellent communication skills for a multicultural environment. Proven ability to work independently and in teams in a fast-paced setting.

Compensation: The annual pay range for this position is $88,000 – $110,000

The pay offered for this role may be influenced by factors such as job location, scope of role, qualifications, education, experience, & complexity/specialization/scarcity of talent.

This position is also eligible for a performance bonus or sales commissions. ZEISS also offers robust benefits, including medical plans, retirement savings plan and paid time off.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Maria Khalil

Zeiss provides Equal Employment Opportunity without unlawful regard to an Applicants race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, age, national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, citizen status, sexual orientation, pregnancy (includes childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition), genetic predisposition, carrier status, gender expression or identity, including transgender identity, or any other class or characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law of the employee (or the people with whom the employee associates, including relatives and friends).