Director of Trade Compliance

We always do the right thing, the right way. Job Title: Director of Trade Compliance Job ID: 540 Location: Remote-USA Department: Director, Trade Compliance Reports To: VP, Product Management Job Type: Full Time Compensation : $175,000 - $200,000 per year + incentive compensation Summary At Aptiv, we inspire the world’s most innovative teams by doing the right thing, the right way. We are seeking a strategic, high-caliber Director of Trade Compliance to lead, manage, and continuously improve the company’s global trade compliance and export control program. This role serves as the company’s senior subject matter expert and Empowered Official (EO) for U.S. export controls (ITAR and EAR), ensuring all business activities—including global shipments, technical data transfers, and international collaboration—adhere to applicable laws and regulations. You will drive a culture of compliance across Aptiv’s global footprint, balancing regulatory rigor with operational efficiency to support our strategic growth. Leadership & Core Responsibilities Leadership & Program Ownership Establish and lead the company’s global trade compliance organization, including hiring, developing, and managing staff. Define governance structure, escalation paths, and compliance ownership across business units. Serve as the primary interface with executive leadership on compliance risk posture. Classification & Jurisdiction Authority Own and approve EAR/ITAR jurisdiction determinations, including Commodity Jurisdiction (CJ) strategy where required. Lead and oversee technical classification of hardware, software, and technology (ECCN/USML). Ensure robust documentation of classification rationale (engineering basis, control parameters, applicable notes). Provide expert guidance on dual-use technologies, including encryption (e.g., 5D002) and aerospace/space (e.g., 9A515/9E515). Validate classification consistency across business units and legacy determinations. Export Authorization & Regulatory Compliance Oversee export licensing strategy and execution (BIS, DDTC), including license applications, TAAs/agreements, and license exceptions/exemptions. Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, OFAC, DFARS, FAR, Customs, and FTR. Operational Integration Embed export controls into engineering, product lifecycle, and program management processes. Ensure pre-release classification of software and technology prior to external access, critical for deemed export control. Provide real-time guidance on transactions, technical data sharing, and international collaboration. Investigations & Risk Management Lead investigations in concert with Legal and Corporate Trade involving potential unauthorized access to controlled technology, deemed export violations, or classification errors. Conduct root cause analysis, implement corrective actions (CAPA), and oversee voluntary disclosures. Audit, Controls & Training Establish internal controls and audit-ready documentation standards. Lead internal audits and support external regulatory audits. Develop targeted training on classification methodology, technical data handling, and deemed export requirements. Position Requirements Education & Technical Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree required; Juris Doctor (JD) a plus. Experience: 10+ years of experience in export controls within aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or similarly regulated industries. Industry Domain: Proven expertise in EAR, ITAR, and OFAC regulations, with strong working knowledge of FAR/DFARS, U.S. Customs, and global trade compliance requirements across EU, APAC, and EMEA jurisdictions. Regulatory Compliance: Demonstrated expertise in jurisdiction and classification analysis (EAR vs. ITAR, ECCN/USML). Certifications & Competencies Systems Proficiency: Google Enterprise, ADPLyric. Core Competencies: Recognized authority on defense trade compliance with decision ownership over restricted party determinations, end-use/end-user approvals, and the ability to influ…

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