Senior Counsel (Global Trade Compliance)

nLIGHT, Inc.
paid time off, paid holidays, tuition assistance, 401(k)
United States, Washington, Camas
Apr 04, 2025
Description About nLIGHT nLIGHT is a rapidly growing publicly listed company (NASDAQ: LASR). nLIGHT is a global leader in high-power semiconductor and fiber lasers for industrial, microfabrication, aerospace, and defense applications. nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems is developing rugged and compact laser weapon system solutions that can operate and survive in challenging Defense environments. Headquartered in Camas, Washington, nLIGHT employs over 1,000 people with operations in the United States, China, and Finland. Job Summary nLIGHT is looking for a Senior Counsel (Global Trade Compliance), reporting to nLIGHT's General Counsel, to provide ground floor guidance, legal advice, oversight, and governance on a wide range of complex legal and business issues related to global export, customs, and economic sanctions laws and regulations. The position will provide support to nLIGHT, nLIGHT DEFENSE Systems, and other nLIGHT subsidiaries worldwide. The position will be located in Camas, WA. Remote or hybrid option also would be considered. Responsibilities include: Provide expert legal advice and operational direction for compliance with export, customs, and economic sanctions requirements in support of nLIGHT's global operations, including sales and supply chain operations. Identify and prioritize current and emerging risks and implement robust risk management systems and controls to enhance trade compliance. Continually monitor legal and regulatory requirements and developments to ensure current and accurate compliance policies and procedures. Conduct and support audits and assessments of global sites, functions, and programs to ensure that legal compliance requirements are being met and identify enhancement opportunities. Partner with information technology and information security teams to ensure data and data systems comply with relevant trade controls laws. Work with other team members to develop training modules and implement and maintain a comprehensive trade controls compliance training program. Perform due diligence and provide legal advice regarding trade compliance issues for potential new business opportunities and acquisitions. Support business teams in evaluating and identifying strategy for application of trade controls to new capabilities, products, sourcing locations, and markets. Conduct and manage investigations of potential non-compliance and resulting disclosures to government agencies in the US and abroad. Manage day-to-day screening activity (e.g., denied parties, sanctions, embargos, end-use, end user) in full compliance with applicable U.S. and non-U.S. regulations. Prepare and review license applications and other filings necessary to comply with export and sanctions laws. Perform commodity jurisdiction and classification. Review, draft, and manage contractual language relating to trade controls and sanctions law. Manage special projects and other compliance program continuous improvement initiatives. Qualifications Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school Must be a member in good standing of the bar of at least one US state or territory and have the ability to register as in- house counsel as necessary. Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in Global Trade Compliance, preferably with some in-house experience. Direct experience with US and EU export licensing requirements and global trade controls operations. Demonstrated advanced knowledge of international trade regulations and practices, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Significant understanding of US Customs regulations Proven experience in directing and strengthening global trade compliance processes and procedures; building trade controls governance infrastructure. Pragmatic, business-oriented, approach to challenges and competing priorities and deadlines. Demonstrated ability to engage business line leaders to drive implementation of new procedures and legal requirements in a timely manner. Sound judgment and unwavering ethics. Eligible to obtain and maintain a US government personal security clearance. Demonstrated ability to work across functions to provide timely and effective legal advice. Ability and willingness to travel up to 25% travel time, depending on position location. This role requires access to US export-controlled information. If applicable, final offers will be contingent on ability to obtain authorization for access to US export-controlled information from the US Government. Functional/Technical Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: Superior organizational, analytical and communication skills, oral and written, and ability to manage multiple efforts with high priority deadlines. Business acumen - able to balance legal risk with business objectives with a solution- orientated mindset. Strategic thinker with excellent judgment as well and ability to see the "big picture." Able to work under own initiative. Willing to take on challenges. Ability to adapt and grow in an expanding organization. Commitment to compliance and integrity. Strong judgement and analytical skills. Customer relationship, communication, and interpersonal skills. Proactive, organized, and detail oriented. nLIGHTis proud to offer comprehensive COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Starting pay depends on qualifications: Senior Counsel (Global Trade Compliance): $160,000 - $190,000 Other Compensation and Benefits Target Cash Bonus of 5% of earned wages Eligible for Restricted Stock Unit grants 4 weeks of Paid Time Off per year 10 paid Holidays Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month after your start date Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, including prescription and orthodontia with employee-paid premiums as low as $40.00 per pay period Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts Employee Stock Purchase Plan 401(k) with company match and immediate vesting Company paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, and Life & AD&D Insurance Employee Assistance Program Aflac Supplemental Insurance Paid Bereavement Leave and Jury Duty Tuition Assistance Program Pet Insurance nLIGHT is subject to US Export Control regulations. To qualify for this position, you must be a US Person (that is, a US citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual granted asylum or refugee status). All applicants must possess or be qualified to obtain a U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Preference will be given to candidates with an existing U.S. DoD Personnel Security Clearance. Further information on requirements to obtain a security clearance is available at: https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/mbi/gicp/. Please review this information before applying. Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or age. For more information about our commitment to equal employment opportunity, please see this government poster: Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal. If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (360) 566-4460 or [emailprotected].