[Hiring] Senior Export Compliance Specialist @FormFactor Inc.

Role Description

The Senior Trade Classification Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely classification of imported and exported products under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS/HTSUS) and the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). This role supports compliant cross‑border trade, duty optimization, and risk mitigation by partnering with Engineering, Supply Chain, Trade Compliance, and external customs brokers to ensure correct product data and documentation. The ideal candidate combines strong technical/analytical skills with hands‑on experience in tariff classification and trade compliance operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review product information, technical drawings, bills of material, and specifications to determine and assign accurate HTS/HTSUS classifications for imports and Schedule B codes for exports.
• Determine and maintain Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) and related export control jurisdiction where applicable.
• Classify products early in the development and item setup process and prioritize transactions requiring classification to ensure on-time delivery and compliance.
• Design and maintain a standardized classification decision framework for commonly imported items to ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in tariff determinations.
• Collaborate with customs brokers to ensure timely updates to the parts database, adherence to classification standards, and identify inconsistencies in product classification; research and file corrections promptly to maintain compliance.
• Develop and document defendable classification rationales, including notes, GRIs, Explanatory Notes, CROSS rulings, and internal precedents.
• Maintain and continuously improve the product classification database within the company’s ERP and/or Global Trade Management (GTM) system.
• Support country-of-origin and preferential origin determinations (e.g., USMCA and other FTAs) based on bills of material and manufacturing processes.
• Partner with Purchasing, Logistics, Engineering, and Product Management to obtain complete and accurate technical data necessary to classify new and existing products.
• Assist with internal audits, CF28/CF29 responses, and other inquiries from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and foreign customs authorities related to classification.
• Monitor relevant changes in the Harmonized System, HTSUS, and classification rulings; update internal classifications and procedures accordingly.
• Contribute to training materials and deliver training to internal stakeholders on classification fundamentals and data requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, Engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.
• Minimum 10 years of hands‑on experience in customs tariff classification within a corporate trade compliance environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of tariff classification, customs regulations, and export controls.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of:
  • Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs).
  • Export control classification (ECCN) under the EAR and/or ITAR jurisdiction determinations.
  • Experience interpreting technical documentation (e.g., mechanical/electrical drawings, specifications, bills of material).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and/or Global Trade Management tools (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, Descartes, etc.).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (LCB) or in active pursuit of the license.
• Prior experience supporting multi-region classification (e.g., EU CN codes, other national tariffs).
• Experience in a complex manufacturing, industrial, or high‑tech environment.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 6 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD with 3 years experience; or equivalent experience.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and disability coverage.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Employee stock purchase plan (ESPP).
• Paid time off.
• Quarterly profit-sharing bonuses.
• Flexible spending or savings accounts.

Pay Range

This role in Seattle, Washington pays between $88,900.00 and $116,655.00 per year, depending on your experience, skills, and background. Pay may vary in other locations.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

FormFactor is an equal opportunity employer. FormFactor complies with all national, state, and local laws that seek to promote equal opportunities for any applicant or employee without regard to age, race, color, gender, gender identity/expression, national origin, sexual orientation, religion, disability, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, military service, or any other legally protected characteristics. These protections apply to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and compensation.