Senior Trade Compliance Analyst

Particle Measuring Systems, Inc. (PMS) sets the standard for cleanroom contamination monitoring. With more than 60 patents, we create the technology that enables our customers to make fact-based decisions, improve process yields and comply with ever-changing regulatory requirements.

As a Senior Trade Compliance Analyst, you will be supporting all PMS business functions in achieving their strategic objectives and operational targets while ensuring compliance with all applicable export, import and economic sanctions laws and regulations.  Together with the PMS Compliance team you will be responsible for the maintenance and deployment of the PMS Trade Compliance policy and supporting procedures and for training others in the relevant procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Support the global trade compliance program within the company through active collaboration with other members of the Trade Compliance team and PMS offices globally. Assist in the development of local strategy and support compliance efforts worldwide in accordance with any applicable regulations.
• Establish relationships, trust, and credibility with internal stakeholders. Working with them to develop and drive business processes & solutions that are compliant with any applicable trade laws, regulations, or internal policies established by PMS & Spectris.
• Actively engage in the new product development process and work with product managers to navigate any relevant trade compliance issues. This includes assigning products with the applicable export control classification numbers (ECCN) and tariff codes.
• Ensure that all international transactions meet internal policies and comply with any applicable government regulations. This includes determining when a license or permit is required in a transaction, obtaining the necessary import/export licenses and permits as well as working with Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders, and our internal Logistics team, to ensure the seamless transportation of goods.
• Resolve issues related to customs clearance, document discrepancies, and product holds by customs authorities. Implement best practices and develop procedures to prevent compliance issues or shipment delays in future imports.
• Perform extensive due diligence assessments of customers  globally, with a large focus on transactions in China, applying knowledge relating to Part 744 of the EAR, identifying indirect ownership and ties with restricted entities, ECCN based controls, OFAC 50% Rule, and any other applicable controls. This will be the primary focus of this role and experience in this area is a requirement to fill this position.
• Stay updated on international trade laws, import/export regulations, and tariff changes. Continuously review processes to ensure compliance with the latest trade policies and avoid penalties. Update team members and direct manager of any suspected impact to the business.
• Support the PMS Trade Compliance Manager with the occasional project or task required by the business.

Training; Awareness and Escalation

• Work closely with the PMS Compliance team to funnel down communications
• Facilitate and carry out trainings to the organization on various topics relating to trade compliance.
• Collaborate with other members of the Trade Compliance Team on cross-functional training and education to allow the transfer of knowledge and expertise across the entire trade compliance team and PMS generally.

Audits

• Facilitate and support external audits and assessments and implement any required/necessary corrective actions. Must be able to report findings to management and track the implementation of corrective action until satisfied that any risk to the business is mitigated.
• Lead periodic export self-assessments and implement any necessary corrective actions to ensure compliance with trade compliance regulations and internal policies
• Conduct periodic audits of internal transactions including electronic export information (EEI) and customs entry documentation.
• Mitigate risk to Spectris group and PMS through process management ensuring that all activities are carried out in accordance with PMS and Spectris policies and standards and are in compliance with any applicable regulations.

To succeed in this role, you’ll have
 

You will stand out from the crowd if you are open-minded and a team player with the highest integrity and ethical standards and not afraid to say “no”, but also willing to craft a compliant business solution, when possible.  In addition, we attach great importance to: 

• Approachability and a strong stakeholder service orientation with excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to easily understand complex technical products. This could have been gained from previous experience in a similar manufacturing company
• Ability to think, step back from a transaction and make a determination decision regarding which countries’ export control regulations are applicable and determine all the export control touch points that need to be addressed to ensure that we remain in compliance.
• Ability to work with, and understand, intangible goods as they relate to import/export regulations.
• Ability to adapt at quick paces, and to approach problem-solving from multiple angles
• A strong attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and the willingness and ability to make decisions as well as communicate the rationale behind those decisions.
• Strong time management skills, and the ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently on projects and tasks with significant complexity approaching each with a problem-solving mentality and facilitating collaboration with other members of the trade compliance and greater PMS team as needed
• A “Hands-On” mentality combined with a “No Compromise on legal requirements and group interests” attitude but also being a problem solver who works to establish compliant solutions
   

Professional qualifications
 

What you need to make a difference is a passion for trade compliance and a sense of the topic's importance. We are also looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 5-7+ years’ relevant professional experience in export control regulatory requirements. This does not include any Logistic functions.
• Previous experience performing and recording extensive due diligence reviews on foreign End-Users with a high concentration on
  • Risk of diversion
  • Involvement in restricted end-use activities
  • Identifying direct and indirect ownership and ties to restricted parties
  • Identifying red flags
  • Assessing against any regulatory requirements
  • Licensing determinations
• Detailed knowledge of foreign export laws and regulations, particularly, U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR)and those imposed by the Office of Foreign Asset Controls.
• Ability to interpret the legal language of government regulations and understand their impact on the business’ operations and objectives. This requires a high level of flexibility, and a solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to understand licensing requirements, apply for, and track any required licenses, including a knowledge of Snap-R.
• Experience in communicating with external agencies, such as the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, and the Treasury Department, Office of Foreign Assets Control
• Experience with an enterprise-class ERP system desirable and Word, Excel, and other standard office tools
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills with the ability to communicate and interact at all levels and support decision-making based on credible knowledge of international trade
• Audit experience and experience in delivering internal training on trade compliance matters
• Experience working in the Automated Commercial Environment

These additional desired skills would be a big plus

• Experience working within EU and/or UK export/import regulations and financial sanctions
• Knowledge of Incoterms
• Experience with CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Measure)
• Experience with SaaS (Software as a Service) and Software subscription models, coupled with related trade compliance concerns
• Experience within the semiconductor industry
• Experience performing due diligence on entities in China and/or Russia and other former USSR countries
• Experience working with SAP/GTS
• Experience with the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and working with the Department of Energy (DOE)

The Nuts and Bolts

Location –This is a remote position with the opportunity to work in the office if requested, location permitting. Our office is located in Boulder, Colorado.
 

2025 Benefits At-a-Glance

Our benefit package is provided through our parent company, Spectris.

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• 401(k)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Onsite Wellness Clinic – Colorado Employees

Pay Range

$70,000-90,000 depending upon experience

How we determine what we pay (compensation philosophy)

Particle Measuring Systems determines pay for positions using local, national, and industry-specific survey data, for the Boulder, Colorado area.  We will evaluate external equity, which is the relative marketplace job worth of jobs directly comparable to jobs within our company.

For new hires, we make competitive offers between the minimum and the midpoint of the range.   There may be times when we will offer above the midpoint.  The decision to do so will be based on the applicant’s level of experience, education, and specialized knowledge and skills.  Additionally, we consider the external market rate, the amount we have budgeted internally, and the compensation rates of the employees within the company doing the same position. 

Particle Measuring Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.