Govt. & Defense : Operations Specialist

JAS • Sterling, VA

1d

About The Position

The Operations Specialist facilitates the movement of Government & Defense products, equipment, and materials into and out of the country by ocean and air freight. The role ensures shipments are handled in accordance with company policies and procedures and applicable local, national, and international laws. It provides export-customer service across bookings, rates, documentation, accounting, agent coordination, and problem resolution.

The position coordinates shipment documentation and cargo movement, monitors shipment status, maintains customer and carrier/vendor information, and communicates with government agencies, foreign militaries, defense contractors, overseas agents, customers, and suppliers. It works under federal, international, and commercial contract requirements, supports compliance and contract performance, manages operational and customer KPIs, and assists other departments as needed. The position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 2 years of experience handling air freight shipments, or a combination of education and expertise.
• Knowledge of customs laws, practices, and procedures.
• Excellent organizational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including the Microsoft Office suite.
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask and meet deadlines.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to perform the essential duties without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of oneself or others.
• Ability to interact positively and effectively with coworkers, subordinates, and supervisors.

Nice To Haves

• Additional languages.
• Geographical knowledge.
• Experience in the freight forwarding industry.
• Experience handling Government & Defense-related shipments.
• Knowledge of U.S. export compliance.
• CargoWise (C1) experience.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and coordinate documentation for efficient, cost-effective, and lawful air transportation.
• Coordinate with U.S. federal agencies, foreign militaries, and defense contractors to meet their requirements.
• Work within federal, international, and commercial contract requirements while providing service and proactive communication and maintaining compliance and contract performance.
• Coordinate cargo pickup and transfer and monitor shipment status.
• Communicate with authorities, customers, and suppliers in relevant territories and countries to support efficient, positive, and lawful operations.
• Manage and update carrier and vendor rates and obtain spot rates when necessary.
• Communicate with overseas agents and clients, including pre-alerts, rate requests, and shipment-status updates.
• Track shipments and update customers and agents on status.
• Create and maintain customer files.
• Invoice customers and approve payables.
• Audit files for accuracy and completion.
• Complete U.S. Customs AES filings and/or submit information to the customs-house-brokerage team for import-entry filings.
• Manage JAS operational and customer Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Interact professionally and courteously with coworkers.
• Assist other departments or divisions as needed or requested by the department or branch manager.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED