Manage and ensure compliance with U.S. import regulations and partner government agency requirements. Assign HTS classifications, determine country of origin and customs valuation, oversee customs brokers, ensure accurate documentation, support duty savings programs, and collaborate with Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement, Legal, and external brokers to resolve customs issues.
Founded in 2015, Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software and V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.
The Import Compliance Specialist is responsible for ensuring the company’s global import activities comply with all applicable U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations, international trade laws, and company policies. The Import Compliance Specialist serves as the company's subject matter expert on U.S. import regulations, customs compliance, tariff classification, country of origin, customs valuation, and import documentation. Working closely with Supply Chain, Logistics, Procurement, Engineering, and external customs brokers, this position ensures timely customs clearance, accurate regulatory reporting, and continuous improvement of import compliance processes while supporting the company's global operations.
What you'lll do:
- Ensure compliance with all U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and applicable Partner Government Agency (PGA) requirements.
- Assign Harmonized Tariff (HTS) classifications and country of origin determinations.
- Determine country of origin, valuation, and admissibility of imported merchandise
- Ensure correct customs documentation, valuation practices, and broker instructions.
- Oversee customs brokers and freight forwarders to ensure compliant import operations.
- Partner with, Program Management, Product Delivery, Procurement, Logistics, Supply Chian, Legal, and Trade Compliance teams to resolve customs-related issues.
- Support duty savings initiations, including Free Trade Agreements, Duty Drawback, and other customs programs where applicable.
Import Compliance & Customs Management
Required qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in international business, Supply Chain, Legal Studies, Engineering, or related field.
- 5+ years of experience in trade compliance within aerospace, defense, or high-tech industries.
- Working knowledge of HTS classification, customs valuation, and import processes.
- Ability to manage sensitive and export-controlled information (ITAR/EAR Technical Data).
- Strong communication skills and ability to train personnel across the organization.
Preferred qualifications:
- Active U.S. Customs Broker License
- Knowledge of Free Trade Agreements (USMCA and others)
- Strong knowledge of
- U.S. Customs regulations (19 CFR)
- Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS)
- Customs valuation
- Country of origin determination
- Experience working with UAV systems, defense articles, avionics, or controlled software.
- Background in program management, logistics, or engineering support roles.
Key competencies:
- Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to balance regulatory compliance with operational needs.
- High integrity and sound judgment in handling compliance matters.
- Proactive mindset with ability to work independently and cross functionally.
#LI-JM1
#LC
Full-time regular employee offer package:
Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity
Temporary employee offer package:
Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)
Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.
###
Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Similar Jobs at Shield AI
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Manage tool-control, calibration, inventory accuracy, FOD prevention, and logistics readiness for X-BAT ground and flight test operations. Oversee serialized records, audits, spares management, kit build/issue/reconciliation, and coordination with cross-functional teams to ensure safe, repeatable test execution and readiness reporting.
Top Skills:
Asset-Management SystemsBarcodeCmmsErpInventory ManagementQmsRfid
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Lead mechanical design and analysis for V-BAT propulsion hardware from concept through production. Design components (engines, fuel/oil delivery, mounts, propeller/duct hardware), perform strength, fatigue, vibration, thermal, and FEA analyses, create CAD models and drawings, execute test and validation campaigns, manage ECOs and configuration, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to resolve failures and integrate designs for flight readiness.
Top Skills:
3D CadCad DrawingsConfiguration ManagementEco/Engineering Change ProcessesFatigue AnalysisFinite Element Analysis (Fea)Gd&TSiemens NxThermal AnalysisTubing DesignVibration/Modal AnalysisWire Harness Routing
Aerospace • Artificial Intelligence • Machine Learning • Robotics • Software
Hands-on supervisory role maintaining V-BAT unmanned aircraft systems and ground support equipment. Perform organizational and depot-level maintenance, follow training/certification requirements, develop maintenance task instructions, enforce tool control/FOD/HAZMAT programs, and collaborate across teams to ensure mission readiness.
Top Skills:
Fod PreventionGround Support Equipment (Gse)HazmatTool ControlUnmanned Aerial Systems (Uas)V-Bat
What you need to know about the Los Angeles Tech Scene
Los Angeles is a global leader in entertainment, so it’s no surprise that many of the biggest players in streaming, digital media and game development call the city home. But the city boasts plenty of non-entertainment innovation as well, with tech companies spanning verticals like AI, fintech, e-commerce and biotech. With major universities like Caltech, UCLA, USC and the nearby UC Irvine, the city has a steady supply of top-flight tech and engineering talent — not counting the graduates flocking to Los Angeles from across the world to enjoy its beaches, culture and year-round temperate climate.
Key Facts About Los Angeles Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 375,800; 5.5% of overall workforce (2024 CompTIA survey)
- Major Tech Employers: Snap, Netflix, SpaceX, Disney, Google
- Key Industries: Artificial intelligence, adtech, media, software, game development
- Funding Landscape: $11.6 billion in venture capital funding in 2024 (Pitchbook)
- Notable Investors: Strong Ventures, Fifth Wall, Upfront Ventures, Mucker Capital, Kittyhawk Ventures
- Research Centers and Universities: California Institute of Technology, UCLA, University of Southern California, UC Irvine, Pepperdine, California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy, Center for Quantum Science and Engineering
