U.S. Trade Compliance Specialist

At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting-edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.

As a U.S. Trade Compliance Specialist, you will play a key role in shaping and strengthening Zygo’s trade compliance framework.

This role is a unique opportunity to assist in the creation of a structured trade compliance program for a technology leader. The position requires a dynamic, independent, and thoughtful professional with experience in the technical aspects of trade compliance and project management.

You will partner closely with Compliance, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Operations to ensure adherence to U.S. trade regulations, including ITAR, EAR, and OFAC requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Partner with the Director, Compliance & Contracts and cross‑functional teams to help design, implement, and continuously improve Zygo’s trade compliance program
• Provide practical guidance on U.S. export control regulations (ITAR, EAR, OFAC) to internal stakeholders
• Review, update, and maintain company policies and procedures related to export compliance
• Support the preparation and submission of export license applications
• Assist in developing and tracking compliance-related projects and initiatives
• Support internal audits, compliance reviews, and corrective action plans
• Maintain accurate records related to export compliance activities, including denied party screening documentation
• Collaborate with Engineering to determine ECCN and USML classifications for commodities, software, and technical data

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in International Business, International Affairs, or a related field
• Experience in trade compliance or export administration, including:
• Export licensing
• Regulatory policy development
• Classification under USML or CCL
• Strong analytical and research skills related to ITAR, EAR, and OFAC regulations
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience contributing to or building trade compliance programs
• Experience in semiconductor, aerospace, or advanced manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated project management capabilities in a compliance or regulatory setting

Bring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, and where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.

Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and help build a best-in-class compliance program?

We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us.

We offer competitive compensation, benefits, retirement (401k), and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.

Due to the nature of Zygo’s programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the U.S. and must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.