Trade Compliance Specialist

Job Title: Trade Compliance Specialist Job Description The Trade Compliance Specialist supports the import and trade compliance program by ensuring accurate product classification, country of origin determinations, and proper application of tariffs and trade agreements. This role collaborates closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, Customs Brokers, and Trade Compliance leadership to support compliant customs declarations, USMCA qualification analysis, and maintenance of robust trade compliance records. The Specialist reviews data, validates documentation, and escalates complex or highrisk matters to sr. trade compliance staff when needed. Responsibilities

- Perform Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) classification reviews for products and determine accurate country of origin.
- Conduct steel and anti-dumping/countervailing duty (ADD/CVD) reviews and maintain related databases and supporting documentation.
- Obtain and analyze product specifications, bills of materials (BOMs), manufacturing details, and supplier certifications to support classification, origin, and trade agreement determinations.
- Communicate directly with suppliers to gather information required for classification, country of origin, USMCA qualification, and other trade compliance requirements.
- Review customs entry data to validate accuracy and support post-entry audit activities and corrections as needed.
- Maintain trade compliance records, databases, and reporting in alignment with regulatory and internal recordkeeping requirements.
- Support audit readiness by organizing documentation, responding to information requests, and tracking corrective actions.
- Research trade compliance issues, including classification, valuation, origin, and trade remedies, and provide clear recommendations to Trade Compliance leadership.
- Escalate complex or high-risk classification, valuation, origin, tariff, or trade remedy issues to the Trade Compliance Analyst or Trade Compliance leadership.
- Add new SKUs to the ERP system and classify any new SKU requests, including assigning HTS codes and country of origin.
- Check for tariff derivatives and identify potential opportunities for tariff mitigation where appropriate.
- Manage incoming ocean and air shipments from a trade compliance perspective, ensuring required import documentation is accurate and complete.
- Collaborate with logistics, product management, and other internal teams to support timely and compliant import operations.

Essential Skills

- At least 2 years of experience in trade compliance, customs operations, import/export compliance, logistics, or a closely related field.
- Demonstrated experience with trade compliance activities such as HTS classification, country of origin determinations, and import documentation review.
- Working knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations, including HTS classification, country of origin rules, tariffs, valuation, and recordkeeping requirements.
- Hands-on experience with import compliance and customs compliance processes and procedures.
- Ability to work within ERP systems to manage SKU data, classifications, and related trade compliance information.
- Strong attention to detail with effective documentation, recordkeeping, and organizational skills.
- Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including sorting, filtering, lookups, and basic data reconciliation.
- Ability to research and interpret customs law, tariff schedules, and trade remedy requirements using tariff databases and other resources.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills to interact with suppliers, Customs Brokers, and internal stakeholders.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- Professional trade compliance certifications such as CCS, CES, or equivalent trade compliance training are preferred.
- Experience working with QAD and/or SAP is preferred, though experience with other ERP/MRP systems is also valuable.
- logistics, import operations, or export processes that supports end-to-end understanding of trade flows.
- Familiarity with import documentation requirements and customs law as they relate to steel, ADD/CVD, and trade agreements.
- Ability to identify potential tariff mitigation opportunities while maintaining strict compliance with regulations.
- Strong analytical mindset with the ability to interpret technical product information such as BOMs and manufacturing processes.

Work Environment This is a contract role expected to last at least 4 months, with a realistic duration of about 6 months and potential to transition to a direct hire for the right person. The position follows a hybrid schedule, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with on-site work typically required Tuesday through Thursday and work-from-home on Monday and Friday, with some flexibility for strong candidates. The role is based in a major corporate and product management hub that supports residential lock and smart home security brands, operating primarily as a corporate office rather than a manufacturing facility. The team is currently short-staffed and experiencing a high volume of work, so the environment is fast-paced and offers the opportunity to make an immediate impact by helping stabilize and improve trade compliance operations.
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Lake Forest, CA.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $47.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Lake Forest, CA.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 30, 2026.
Workplace Type
This is a fully remote position.

About Aston Carter

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® Platinum Award winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [email protected] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.