Senior Trade Compliance Administrator

Trade Compliance Specialist

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

This role is part of Blue Origin corporate functions, providing centralized support across Blue Origin business unit teams, functions, and locations.

The Trade Compliance Specialist is a technically proficient trade compliance professional responsible for governing Blue Origin's global export and import compliance program. This role owns the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and policies governing international trade activities, while managing the company's portfolio of export and import authorizations (licenses, agreements, and exemptions).

This role requires close, technical collaboration with engineering teams to accurately classify hardware, software, and technical data under the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) assigning Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) and under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for import classification purposes. The Trade Compliance Specialist serves as a trusted advisor to engineering, supply chain, and program teams, translating complex regulatory requirements into actionable guidance that enables mission success while maintaining full compliance with U.S. export control and customs laws (ITAR, EAR, and CBP regulations).

As part of a high-performing team of trade compliance specialists, licensing analysts, and engineers, you will lead classification determinations, author and maintain governance documentation, manage license applications and compliance authorizations, and serve as a key technical liaison between compliance and engineering disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Write and maintain SOPs, work instructions, and policies for import/export compliance across Blue Origin
• Keep the trade compliance framework current with ITAR, EAR, CBP, and OFAC requirements
• Work with Legal and business teams to translate regulatory changes into internal policy updates
• Support audits and self-assessments to identify and close process gaps
• Design and deliver trade compliance training programs for engineering, supply chain, and program management stakeholders, including onboarding curricula and periodic refresher content
• Prepare and manage export/import license applications and agreements (DSP-5, DSP-85, BIS licenses, TAAs, MLAs, WDAs)
• Track license scope, provisos, expiration dates, and usage
• Maintain licensing records and report on status and utilization
• Act as the primary contact with DDTC, BIS, and CBP for license submissions and inquiries
• Work with engineers and program teams to determine ECCN classifications for hardware, software, and technical data
• Lead classification working sessions to resolve complex or ambiguous determinations
• Document classification decisions and maintain records for audit readiness
• Assess internal controls and trade compliance risks
• Support internal and external audits, including identifying and resolving deficiencies
• Prepare regulatory submissions and audit documentation
• Serve as point of contact for regulatory agency interactions

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in International Business, Supply Chain, Engineering, Political Science, or a related field or equivalent experience
• 5+ years of U.S. export/import compliance experience, including ITAR/EAR classification and licensing
• Experience writing and maintaining trade compliance SOPs and policies
• Working knowledge of ECCN classification methodology and HTS/GRI principles
• Experience preparing and managing license applications and agreements with DDTC and BIS
• Ability to read engineering drawings, technical specifications, and bills of materials
• Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with engineering and technical teams
• Must be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident (Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted refugee or asylee (This position requires access to export-controlled technical data and items subject to U.S. export control laws)

Preferred Qualifications

• Trade compliance certification (CUSECO, ICPA, or equivalent)
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or space launch industries
• Familiarity with Global Trade Management systems (SAP GTS, Descartes, Amber Road)
• Experience with Commodity Jurisdiction (CJ) requests and classification appeals
• Experience developing classification tools or decision trees for engineering teams
• Master's degree or JD in international trade law

Blue Origin Leadership Principles

• Passion for our Mission Understands that strong trade compliance directly enables Blue Origin's mission of accessible, affordable spaceflight
• Insist on the Highest Standards Maintains audit-ready records and holds self and partners accountable to full compliance, with safety always first
• Deliver Results Resolves classifications and gets licenses approved quickly so teams can move forward, finding ways through setbacks without cutting corners
• Operational Excellence Builds SOPs and processes that fix problems at the root and keep compliance consistent over time
• Earn the Trust of Others Engages engineering teams as a responsive, humble partner rather than a compliance gatekeeper
• Ownership Takes a long-term view on compliance programs and acts on behalf of the whole company, not just one team
• Bias for Action Makes classification and licensing decisions with speed and confidence, knowing most can be revisited if needed
• Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit Pushes back on incorrect assumptions even under pressure, then commits fully once a decision is made Apply your technical expertise and commitment to quality to help make safe human spaceflight a reality. A genuine passion for Blue Origin's mission is a must. Travel up to 10% expected.

Base Pay Range for:

WA applicants is $104,027.00 - $145,637.10

Other site ranges may differ

Culture Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing, vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
• Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
• Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
• Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses