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This position has closed. Pentair removed this listing from their careers page on Oct 6, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Import/Export Compliance Specialist

Pentair · North Aurora, IL · $71,000–$131,800 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 28, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 4, 2026

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a time you found a compliance error in past transactions. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they escalate problems and understand options like prior disclosure instead of hiding them.

How do you explain trade compliance rules to procurement or sales people who see them as red tape?

What they are checking: Whether they can give guidance that people actually follow, which the posting asks for across the business.

How do you stay current when tariffs or export rules change quickly?

What they are checking: Whether they track regulatory changes actively and know how to turn them into business guidance fast.

What would you do

Engineering gives you a vague product description. How do you get what you need to classify it correctly?

What they are checking: Whether they can ask the right technical questions so classifications are based on facts, not guesses.

A shipment is blocked in the system for a denied party screening match. What do you do next?

What they are checking: Whether they investigate the match properly and never release a shipment just to meet a deadline.

Sales wants to ship to a new customer overseas this week. What checks do you run first?

What they are checking: Whether they cover end use, end user, destination and license needs without becoming a bottleneck.

About the work

Walk me through how you'd classify a new pump component under the HTS.

What they are checking: Whether they apply the General Rules of Interpretation in order instead of searching for a code that looks close.

What's the difference between an HTS code and an ECCN, and when do you need each?

What they are checking: Whether they clearly separate import duty classification from export control under the EAR.

How do you work with customs brokers to make sure entries are accurate?

What they are checking: Whether they know the importer stays responsible for broker errors and review entries accordingly.

You're a key user of the trade compliance and ERP systems. How do you keep classification data accurate across thousands of parts?

What they are checking: Whether they think about data controls and audits, because one wrong master record repeats on every shipment.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Pentair.

Job Description: At Pentair, you will work alongside passionate problem-solvers who are committed to the future of our planet. We put our mission into practice, helping the world sustainably move, improve, and enjoy water, life's most essential resource. From our residential water filtration to industrial water management to pool products and more, our 9,000 global employees serve customers in more than 150 countries, working to help create a better world for people and the planet through smart, sustainable water solutions. We have an opportunity for an Import/Export Compliance Specialist to join our North Aurora, IL team. You will play a key role in ensuring global trade compliance while supporting business growth and operational excellence. This position is close with Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement, Sales, Customs Brokers, and Regulatory Agencies to ensure compliance and efficiency. You will: • Support and maintain HTS and ECCN product classifications in collaboration with Engineering and Product Management teams. • Ensure timely classification determinations and compliance with global import/export regulations. • Provide guidance on trade compliance requirements across the business. • Serve as a key user of trade compliance and ERP systems, ensuring data accuracy and transaction integrity. • Monitor and resolve blocked import/export transactions, sales orders, and purchase orders. • Coordinate with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and third-party logistics providers to facilitate the smooth movement of goods. • Manage and resolve customs-related inquiries involving: • HTS classification and country of origin • FDA, EPA, APHIS, TSCA, and other government agency requirements • Antidumping and Countervailing Duties (ADD/CVD) • Section 232, Section 301, and other trade measures • Monitor changes in international trade regulations, tariffs, sanctions, and customs requirements, communicating impacts to stakeholders. • Analyze products for USMCA and other FTA eligibility. • Review Bills of Materials (BOMs), cost structures, and manufacturing processes to determine origin qualification. • Maintain supporting documentation and audit-ready records. • Conduct restricted party screenings for customers, suppliers, and business partners. • Investigate potential matches and escalate issues when necessary. • Support export control and sanctions compliance activities. • Perform internal import and export compliance audits. • Identify compliance risks and recommend corrective actions. • Maintain import/export records in accordance with regulatory retention requirements. • Partner with corporate compliance teams on risk assessment and mitigation efforts. Key Qualifications: • 3+ years of experience in Customs, International Trade, Import/Export, or Trade Compliance • Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Business, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience) • Strong knowledge of import/export regulations, customs procedures, and trade compliance requirements • Experience of working with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and government agencies preferred. • Strong analytical, problem-solving, and cross-functional collaboration skills Compensation: For this full-time position working at this location, the anticipated annualized base pay range will be from $71000 - $131800/ year. At Pentair, it is not typical for an individual to be hired near the bottom or top of the pay range. Pentair considers various factors in determining actual compensation for this position at the expected location. Actual compensation will be commensurate with demonstrable level of experience and training, pertinent education including licensure and certifications, work location, and other relevant business or organizational needs. This position may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as, annual incentive bonus. Benefits: As a Pentair employee, you would enjoy a wide array of benefit options to help keep you and your family healthy and protected, health benefits, a generous 401(k), employee stock purchase program, disability benefits, life insurance, critical illness insurance, accident insurance, parental leave, caregiver leave, tuition reimbursement, plus paid time off and wellness programs to encourage a healthy work/life balance. Equal Opportunity Employer Pentair is an Equal Opportunity Employer. With our expanding global presence, cross-cultural insight and competence are essential for our ongoing success. We believe that a diverse workforce contributes different perspectives and creative ideas that enable us to continue to improve every day.