Classification Specialist

Company Description

About Smiths Interconnect:

Smiths Interconnect, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance interconnect solutions. Our products are used in mission-critical applications across industries such as aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and industrial markets. At Smiths Interconnect, we are committed to innovation, quality, and providing cutting-edge solutions that connect the world’s most demanding systems.

Smiths Interconnect is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, to help create a safer, more efficient and productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defense, space & aerospace and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs c.16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries.

Job Description

The classification specialist is tasked with supporting the organization on the key processes of international trade compliance by providing accurate product classification across all regions: NA & LATAM in a fast-paced context, applying efficient controls and corrective actions to maintain best-in-practice compliance practices.

• Provide support as a dedicated resource for US customs compliance
• Review all requirements to enable compliant customs activities in the United States/Canada/Mexico while respecting internal processes and regulations in force (USMCA certificates of origin, tariff classification, assigning duty rates - including 301 Tariffs, conduct regular reviews and audit transactions for completeness, etc.)
• Support day-to-day compliance operations
• Research product literature to determine proper HTS Codes with due regard to business risks
• Analyze and interpret requirements for classification and country of origin compliance as they relate to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations
• Support departmental audits that meet government, corporate and Internal Audit standards
• Responsible for projects or initiatives as required

• Determine, define, review and monitor BRP classification of finished goods, parts and accessories, components and raw materials.
• Provide support as a dedicated resource for US customs compliance
• Review all requirements to enable compliant customs activities in the United States/Canada/Mexico while respecting internal processes and regulations in force (USMCA certificates of origin, tariff classification, assigning duty rates - including 301 Tariffs, conduct regular reviews and audit transactions for completeness, etc.)
• Support day-to-day compliance operations
• Research product literature to determine proper HTS Codes with due regard to business risks
• Analyze and interpret requirements for classification and country of origin compliance as they relate to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations
• Support departmental audits that meet government, corporate and Internal Audit standards
• Responsible for projects or initiatives as required
• Determine, define, review and monitor BRP classification of finished goods, parts and accessories, components and raw materials.
• Support directives and initiatives from strategy classification to ensure BRP complies with ADD/CVD, based on classification, origin and open cases.
• Prepare technical documentation of Tariff Classification to support BRP analysis, considering alternative end uses, functionalities and technical features.
• Influence and support regional classification compliance strategies.
• Support multiple compliance factors such as origin and marking determination, applicable rules of origin for free trade benefits, classification updates, etc.
• Ensure compliance with export and import regulations, including ITAR, EAR, CGP, and applicable international trade laws and provide guidance for these regulations including developing and administering training for internal teams.
• Review technical data stored using industry leading platforms as well as and in house file exchange portals to determine export control requirements, including license or license exception needs.
• Support the release of global shipments. Perform commodity jurisdiction and classification.
• Classify products, technologies, and services under the appropriate Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), Export Control Classification Number (ECCN), and other regulatory codes.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., logistics, legal, and engineering) to address trade compliance concerns in product development and supply chain processes.
• Manage export license applications in NEXCOL and understanding agreements such as Technical Assistance Agreements (TAAs) and Manufacturing License Agreements (MLAs).
• Proactively identify and resolve export control issues, develop risk mitigation strategies, and monitor changes in global trade regulations and recommend updates to company policies and procedures.
• Maintain, improve, and follow current internal export compliance policies, processes and workflows as well as interfaces with various levels of management to ensure compliance processes are in place and effectively followed.
• Collect and analyze compliance data for trends, potential cost savings (e.g., Trade Agreements such as CUSMA among other opportunities), and internal/external charges.
• Conduct audits of import/export processes, maintain detailed compliance records and investigate or resolve trade compliance violations, escalating issues as needed.
• Support with Canadian HS and US Schedule B and HTS classifications.
• Reviewing supplier and Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) classifications and document internal concurrence or re-classification for export and/or import.

• Exerts some influence on the overall objectives and long-range goals of the organization.

• Erroneous decisions or failure to achieve objectives would normally have a serious effect upon the administration of the organization.

• Works on problems of diverse scope where analysis of data requires evaluation of identifiable factors.

• Participates in determining objectives of assignment.

• Arranges own activities in accomplishing objectives.

  Represents organization as a prime contact on projects or initiatives.

• Interacts with internal and external individuals on matters, often requiring coordination between organizations.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in related field, or consideration of an equivalent combination of education and experience.

5 Years of Experience

US CBP Brokers License preferred

Current US CCS (Certified Customs Specialist) designation in good standing

Fluent in English; Spanish would be an asset.

• Must have good organizational skills, as well as good verbal and written communication skills.
• Requires keen attention to detail, with the ability to learn and comprehend highly detailed laws and regulations.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research across both technical and regulatory / legal environments.
• Demonstrated ability to read, comprehend, interpret and follow complicated written and verbal instructions, interpret regulations, and the ability to communicate both orally and in writing at a professional level.
• Perform duties with minimum supervision and participate in cross-functional projects as assigned.
• Working experience in the aerospace / defense industry is asset.
• Ability to build strong relationships with people at all levels. Works to influence others to accept individual or team’s views or practices and changes to concepts, processes and approaches.

• Good knowledge of an electronics manufacturing environment, material and processes.
• Ability to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Strong problem-solving skills, capable of addressing high-complexity process/system issues.
• Exceptional multitasking abilities, attention to detail, and adherence to deadlines.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Very good understanding of trade compliance terminology.
• Self-motivated and a high level of autonomy.
• The capacity to manage stress and high-volume requests and walk the extra mile to get the work done.
• High-level computer skills; including data extraction between various software packages. Proficiency in Excel is essential; Power BI would be an asset.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to cultivate strong working relationships in a team environment is a must
• Strong technical skills in the field of US/Canadian/Mexican Customs Export Compliance

Additional Information

Why Smiths Interconnect?

• Global Impact: As part of Smiths Group, a global engineering leader, you’ll be working on ground-breaking technologies that make a difference in industries that are shaping the future.
• Career Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career progression across Smiths Interconnect and the wider Smiths Group.
• Innovative Culture: Join a collaborative and innovative team, where your ideas and contributions are valued and rewarded.
• Competitive Package: We offer a competitive salary, benefits package, and performance-related incentives.
• Fully Remote Position

We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)