Global Logistics & Trade Compliance Specialist (Temp-to-Hire)

About the Company Armada is the hyperscaler for the edge, delivering modular AI infrastructure from first deployment to AI factory with speed, scale and sovereignty. Named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies and to the CNBC Disruptor 50, Armada’s solutions are deployed in over 60 countries globally for organizations ranging from energy to defense. With nearly $500 million in funding to date, Armada is backed by leading investors including Founders Fund, Lux, BlackRock and Microsoft (M12), alongside strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Dell, Palantir, NVIDIA, SpaceX, and Skydio. We are building the infrastructure layer for sovereign and edge AI - rugged, deployable compute for customers that cannot rely on centralized cloud. Working at Armada means taking ownership, driving autonomy, and delivering impact. You’ll tackle challenges that haven’t been solved before and help build something transformative from the ground up. What you do here will not only define your career but help further Armada’s mission to bridge the digital divide for customers around the world. About the role Armada is rapidly expanding to meet accelerated customer demand, and we are seeking a Global Logistics & Trade Compliance Specialist to own the execution of international logistics and trade compliance activities across our global operations. This is a 12-month contract-to-hire opportunity with primary responsibility for North America (NAM), the Middle East (ME), and Asia-Pacific (APAC). This role will serve as a key owner of Armada’s international shipment lifecycle — from determining import/export requirements and preparing customs documentation through managing freight partners, customs clearance, and final delivery. You will be accountable for ensuring Armada’s critical hardware and infrastructure move across borders efficiently, securely, and in compliance with applicable trade regulations. You will work directly with customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, suppliers, and internal stakeholders, but you will be expected to drive the process, identify requirements and risks, resolve issues, and ensure shipments reach their destinations successfully. The ideal candidate is a hands-on international logistics professional who can independently manage complex global shipments, has strong trade compliance expertise, and is comfortable taking ownership in a fast-moving environment where processes are still being built and scaled. Location. This role is office-based at our Bellevue, Washington office. What You'll Do (Key Responsibilities) • Own Trade Compliance & Import/Export Execution: Own import and export activities across NAM, Middle East, and APAC, ensuring shipments comply with applicable customs regulations, trade controls, and country-specific requirements from origin through final delivery. • Own Customs Documentation: Prepare, review, validate, and maintain commercial invoices, packing lists, certificates of origin, shipping instructions, and other import/export documentation required for accurate and timely customs clearance. • Drive Classification & Compliance: Determine and validate HTS/HS classifications, country of origin, Incoterms, customs valuation, and other import/export requirements. Partner with appropriate internal or external experts on ECCN classifications, licensing requirements, and other export-control considerations as needed. • Manage International Shipments End-to-End: Take ownership of the movement of hardware, server equipment, modular data center components, and other high-value technology from suppliers and manufacturing locations through customs clearance and final delivery to deployment sites. • Manage Brokers & Freight Forwarders: Serve as the primary operational point of contact for customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and 3PL providers. Hold partners accountable for execution and drive resolution of customs holds, documentation gaps, clearance issues, delays, and other shipment exceptions. • Own Regional Compliance Readiness: Maintain working expertise in import/export requirements and customs processes across key markets in North America, the Middle East, and APAC. Identify regulatory requirements and potential clearance risks before shipments are released. • Drive Shipment Visibility & Issue Resolution: Maintain end-to-end visibility of international shipments, proactively identify potential delays or compliance issues, and drive problems through resolution to minimize impact to deployment schedules. • Maintain Audit-Ready Compliance Records: Own the accuracy, organization, and retention of shipment and trade compliance records in accordance with company policies and applicable regulatory requirements. • Drive Cross-Functional Readiness: Partner with Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, Legal, Engineering, Deployment, and other stakeholders to obtain required information and ensure logistics and trade requirements are addressed before goods are approved for international movement. • Build & Improve Processes: Establish repeatable logistics and trade compliance workflows, documentation standards, and operating procedures that enable Armada to scale its global deployment footprint while maintaining strong compliance controls. Required Qualifications • Experience: 5+ years of hands-on experience in international logistics, global transportation, import/export operations, trade compliance, customs, or a related supply chain function. • Trade Compliance Expertise: Strong working knowledge of import/export regulations, customs clearance, HTS/HS classification, country of origin, Incoterms, customs valuation, and international shipping documentation. • Global Logistics Ownership: Demonstrated experience independently managing international shipments across multiple regions from planning and documentation through customs clearance and final delivery. Experience with North America, Middle East, and/or APAC markets is strongly preferred. • Technology/Hardware Experience: Experience managing logistics for high-value electronics, telecommunications equipment, data center hardware, aerospace, industrial equipment, or other technically complex products is preferred. • Broker & Forwarder Management: Demonstrated experience directly managing customs brokers, freight forwarders, carriers, and 3PL partners and driving resolution of shipment and customs exceptions. • Problem Solving: Ability to independently assess shipment and compliance issues, identify solutions, escalate appropriately when necessary, and drive issues through resolution. • Systems: Experience working within ERP, TMS, or logistics platforms; NetSuite or SAP experience is a plus. • Attention to Detail: Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, particularly when managing customs documentation, regulatory requirements, and multiple international shipments simultaneously. • Communication: Ability to confidently communicate requirements, risks, and decisions to internal stakeholders and external logistics partners across multiple regions and time zones. Preferred Experience and Skills • Experience managing export-controlled, dual-use, or regulated technology. • Familiarity with EAR/ECCN classifications, export licensing, and denied/restricted-party screening. • Experience navigating customs and import requirements within GCC/Middle Eastern and APAC countries. • Familiarity with high-value or sensitive electronics and specialized transportation requirements. • Experience with ATA Carnets, temporary imports/exports, and re-export requirements. • Dangerous goods certification, such as IATA or IMDG, is preferred. • Customs Broker License, trade compliance certification, APICS certification, or other relevant logistics/trade credential is a plus. Compensation This is a 12-month contract with potential to convert to full-time employment based on business needs and performance. For U.S. Based candidates: To ensure fairness and transparency, the starting hourly range for this role for candidates in the U.S. are listed below. • Hourly: $54.69 – $68.37 Final compensation will be determined by experience, scope, and level, and may vary from the posted range. Benefits • Competitive base salary and equity • Medical, dental, and vision (subsidized cost) • Health savings accounts (HSA), flexible spending accounts (FSA), and dependent care FSAs (DCFSA) • Retirement plan options, including 401(k) and Roth 401(k) • Unlimited paid time off (PTO) • 14 paid company holidays per year #LI-AB1 #LI-Hybrid Compensation $54.69—$68.37 USD You're a Great Fit if You're • A go-getter with a growth mindset. You're intellectually curious, have strong business acumen, and actively seek opportunities to build relevant skills and knowledge • A detail-oriented problem-solver. You can independently gather information, solve problems efficiently, and deliver results with a "get-it-done" attitude • Thrive in a fast-paced environment. You're energized by an entrepreneurial spirit, capable of working quickly, and excited to contribute to a growing company • A collaborative team player. You focus on business success and are motivated by team accomplishment vs personal agenda • Highly organized and results-driven. Strong prioritization skills and a dedicated work ethic are essential for you Equal Opportunity Statement At Armada, we are committed to fostering a work environment where everyone is given equal opportunities to thrive. As an equal opportunity employer, we strictly prohibit discrimination or harassment based on race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other characteristic protected by law. This policy applies to all employment decisions, including hiring, promotions, and compensation. Our hiring is guided by qualifications, merit, and the business needs at the time. Unsolicited Resumes and Candidates Armada does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions from external agencies or recruiters. All candidates must apply directly through our careers page. Any resumes submitted by agencies without a prior signed agreement will be considered unsolicited and Armada will not be obligated to pay any fees.