Customs & Foreign Trade Manager

Now, we’re entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Customs & Foreign Trade Manager.

What You’ll Do

Lead PDW's global trade, export compliance, and international logistics program supporting commercial, U.S. Government, and allied defense customers

Establish trade compliance strategies and governance policies

Lead regulatory export audits, investigate shipping and compliance issues, and implement corrective actions

Manage domestic and international shipments of UAS, payloads, batteries, spare parts, and technical data in compliance with ITAR, EAR, Customs, and hazardous materials regulation

Coordinate permanent and temporary exports, imports, reimports, and international Return Material Authorizations (RMAs), including shipments to and from U.S. military installations, overseas bases, embassies, and international customer locations

Support international demonstrations, military exercises, trade shows, customer training, and field support activities.

Ensure all required regulatory compliance with DDTC, BIS, CBP, OFAC, and hazardous materials regulations

Select, manage, and coordinate qualified freight forwarders, customs brokers, and international logistics providers to ensure secure, compliant, and efficient global transportation of defense articles and hazardous materials.

Work closely with Legal, Compliance, Security, and Program teams to resolve regulatory issues, obtain export authorizations, support government inquiries, and ensure compliance with applicable U.S. and international trade laws

Monitor changes in U.S. export regulations and recommend improvements to PDW's global trade compliance program

Manage export licensing activities, denied party screening, AES filings, recordkeeping, and trade compliance policies

Requirements

Bachelors Degree in Supply Chain, Business, or pertinent fields

Minimum 5 years of experience working in Customs and Foreign Trade including sourcing and relationship development within the Customs and Foreign Trade discipline

Experience coordinating with freight forwarders, customs brokers, carriers, and government agencies supporting international defense shipments

Working in an ITAR environment including global trade compliance, customs operations, and import/export processes

Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance

Preferred

Customs Brokerage License or equivalent level of experience

Experienced, demonstratable track record in all aspects of logistics sourcing and compliance

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 25 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard office equipment.

Work Environment

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may require occasional travel. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment. This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8a-5p with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

Benefits

PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities

Benefits include comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company

Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match

Paid Parental Leave

A work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation

On-site gym at our Huntsville, AL location

Employer provided life insurance

Robust Employee Assistant Program (EAP)

Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options

Performance Drone Works (PDW) is building the next generation of tactical robotic systems used across defense, national security, and public safety missions. We are building a new center of engineering excellence to design our new category of tactical robotic systems and the industrial capacity to deliver them, bringing decisive airpower into the hands of every operator. We are not here to make promises; we are here to deliver real systems with real capabilities for real missions.

You will join a team of operators, engineers, and builders who solve hard problems with humility and focus. We design and produce multi-mission aerial systems that operators trust to perform in real-world conditions, reliably, repeatedly, and at scale. Our approach is grounded in operator-centered design, rapid iteration from field use, and U.S.-based manufacturing. We operate by a clear set of values: Mission First, Aim Farther, Own It, Win Together. This is how we build advantage and how we help protect our service members, our communities, and our country.