Jobs › Woodward

Sr Specialist, Trade Compliance

Woodward · Niles, IL · Full time

Posted Sep 25, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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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 voluntary disclosure or export violation you helped handle. What did you learn?

What they are checking: Whether they have handled serious compliance events and understand the steps to investigate and report.

Tell me about a time you improved a trade compliance process. How did you measure the result?

What they are checking: Whether they drive program improvements with evidence, which a senior specialist should do.

How do you keep up with changes in sanctions and export rules?

What they are checking: Whether they stay current in an area where rules change quickly and mistakes are costly.

What would you do

An engineer wants to email drawings to a foreign supplier tomorrow. What do you need to check first?

What they are checking: Whether they recognize technical data export risk and know about licenses, TAAs and exemptions.

A shipment is ready to go and sales says the customer is waiting, but restricted party screening shows a possible match. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they hold the shipment until the match is resolved, even under business pressure.

About the work

Walk me through how you determine whether a part or technical data is controlled under ITAR or the EAR.

What they are checking: Whether they know jurisdiction and classification steps, including USML categories and ECCNs, in real practice.

How would you set up a Technology Control Plan for a site with foreign national employees?

What they are checking: Whether they can design practical controls for deemed exports, which affect hiring and facility access.

How do you train engineers and buyers on export rules so they actually follow them?

What they are checking: Whether they can make complex regulations practical for people who see compliance as extra work.

What import compliance issues come up for a manufacturer, such as classification, valuation or country of origin?

What they are checking: Whether they cover the import side, including HTS codes and duty programs, not just exports.

How do you manage DSP-5 or other export license applications and their provisos?

What they are checking: Whether they understand license workflow and how to track conditions after approval.

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The full job description

As published by Woodward.

Woodward is committed to creating a great workplace for all team members. Our company and its members are committed to acting with integrity, being respectful and accountable to one another, and staying humble and driven, while maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards. We are steadfastly committed to attracting the best talent across our communities creating a rewarding workplace. Together we are fulfilling our purpose to design and deliver energy control solutions our partners count on to power a clean future. Woodward supports our members’ wellbeing and regularly benchmarks with other companies in our industry to offer an extensive Total Reward package for this position. Salary will be determined by the applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity and alignment with market data. Estimated annual base pay: $89,000(min) - $116,000(mid) - $142,000(max) • All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity. • 401(k) match (4.5%) • Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%) • Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members • 12 paid holidays • Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire • Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave. • Paid parental leave. • Adoption Assistance • Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits. • Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life • Member referral bonus • Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending • Voluntary benefits, including: • Home / Auto Insurance discounts • Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave Key Responsibilities: • Serves as a primary point of contact within multiple facilities for export/import transactions. Lead for promoting compliance with U.S. government and Export Administration Regulations (EAR), U.S. Treasury - Office of Foreign Asset Controls (OFAC) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) relating to the export of Company products, services, transfers of technical data, employment of foreign nationals and all other import/export licensing and compliance matters. • Supports review of customer/supplier contracts and recommends changes or alternate language to Trade Compliance provisions to ensure Woodward’s compliance • Leads structuring export licensing strategy through the use of licenses and agreements for complex business models. • Supports internal Trade Compliance audits and reviews within the Business Group. • Delivers and supports development of materials for the sites training on Trade Compliance topics. • Performs jurisdiction and classification of products and technologies. • Drives the processing and approval of applications for export/import licenses, commodity jurisdictions, advisory opinions, agreements (e.g., Technical Assistance Agreement, Manufacturing License Agreement, Distribution Agreement) for U.S. and international operations. • Monitors license and agreement submissions throughout the review and approval process and resolve issues as needed. • Policy Development and Implementation: Support to develop, update, and implement compliance policies and procedures to address regulatory requirements and mitigate risks. • Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Identify potential compliance risks through thorough assessments and develop strategies to effectively mitigate those risks. Key Skills: • Regulatory Expertise: Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of ITAR, EAR, and industry standards to ensure organizational compliance. • Analytical Skills: Effectively analyzes complex regulatory information and identifies potential compliance risks and solutions. • Attention to Detail: Maintains meticulous attention to detail when reviewing policies, procedures, and documentation to ensure accuracy and adherence to regulations. • Communication Skills: Communicates clearly and effectively with stakeholders at all levels, conveying regulatory requirements and compliance strategies. • Risk Assessment: Conducts thorough risk assessments to identify, evaluate, and mitigate compliance-related risks within the organization. • Training and Education: Designs and delivers training programs to educate employees on compliance standards and best practices, fostering a culture of compliance. • Problem Solving: Identifies compliance issues and employs strategic problem-solving techniques to address and resolve them efficiently. • Project Management: Manages compliance projects from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with regulatory timelines. • Ethical Judgement: Exercises sound ethical judgment and integrity in all compliance-related decisions and actions, promoting an ethical organizational culture. Successful Candidates Will Typically Have: • Bachelor’s degree or 8+ years equivalent trade compliance experience can be considered in lieu of the degree. A combination of defense industry experience with trade compliance is ideal. • 5+ years of equivalent experience with administering the Trade Compliance program of a multinational company required. • Demonstrated ability to independently exercise judgement for trade matters. • Familiarity with international export regulations is helpful. • Technical expertise regarding U.S. export laws and regulations (EAR, ITAR, OFAC, and Customs). • Experience implementing Trade Compliance Programs. • Working knowledge of the Commodity Control List and the U.S. Munitions List Application window is anticipated to close 14 days from original posting date. This information is provided in compliance with the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and is the company’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the compensation range and benefits offered for this position. The compensation offered to the successful applicant may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education, location, and other job-related reasons. This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).   All applicants must be U.S. Persons within the meaning of the ITAR and EAR, or eligible to obtain all required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or the U.S. Department of Commerce. The ITAR defines a U.S. Person as a U.S. citizen or national, lawful permanent resident (i.e., 'Green Card holder'), or a protected person (e.g., asylee, or refugee). Woodward is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state, or local laws.

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