ITAR Trade Compliance Specialist - Huntsville, AL

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

• 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