Trade Classification Specialist

FormFactor Inc.•Livermore, CA

About The Position

FormFactor, Inc. (NASDAQ: FORM), is a leading provider of essential test and measurement technologies along the full semiconductor product life cycle — from characterization, modeling, reliability, and design de-bug, to qualification and production test. Semiconductor companies rely upon FormFactor’s products and services to accelerate profitability by optimizing device performance and advancing yield knowledge. The company serves customers through its network of facilities in Asia, Europe, and North America. Rooted in our core values — Focus on the Customer, Ownership & Accountability, Respectfully & Effectively Communicate, and Motivate & Develop People — we foster an environment where diverse perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. Everyone can make an impact here. Whether it's improving products, supporting customers, or positively influencing peers and the community, the contributions of our people matter. Shift: The regular hours for this position are day shift. The Trade Classification Specialist is responsible for the accurate and timely classification of imported and exported products under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS/HTSUS) and the Export Control Classification Number (ECCN). This role supports compliant cross‑border trade, duty optimization, and risk mitigation by partnering with Engineering, Supply Chain, Trade Compliance, and external customs brokers to ensure correct product data and documentation. The ideal candidate combines strong technical/analytical skills with hands‑on experience in tariff classification and trade compliance operations.

Requirements

Minimum 5 years of hands‑on experience in customs tariff classification within a corporate trade compliance environment.
Comprehensive understanding of tariff classification, customs regulations, and export controls.
Demonstrated working knowledge of: Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) and General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs).
Export control classification (ECCN) under the EAR and/or ITAR jurisdiction determinations.
Experience interpreting technical documentation (e.g., mechanical/electrical drawings, specifications, bills of material).
Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and other Microsoft Office applications.
Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics) and/or Global Trade Management tools (e.g., SAP GTS, Oracle GTM, Descartes, etc.).
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Minimum of 5 years of related experience with a Bachelor’s degree; or 3 years and a Master’s degree; or a PhD without experience; or equivalent work

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain, International Trade, Engineering, or related field; or equivalent combination of education and directly relevant experience.
Licensed U.S. Customs Broker (LCB) or in active pursuit of the license.
Prior experience supporting multi-region classification (e.g., EU CN codes, other national tariffs).
Experience in a complex manufacturing, industrial, or high‑tech environment.

Responsibilities

Review product information, technical drawings, bills of material, and specifications to determine and assign accurate HTS/HTSUS classifications for imports and Schedule B codes for exports.
Determine and maintain Export Control Classification Numbers (ECCNs) and related export control jurisdiction where applicable.
Classify products early in the development and item setup process and prioritize transactions requiring classification to ensure on-time delivery and compliance.
Design and maintain a standardized classification decision framework for commonly imported items to ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency in tariff determinations.
Collaborate with customs brokers to ensure timely updates to the parts database, adherence to classification standards, and identify inconsistencies in product classification; research and file corrections promptly to maintain compliance.
Develop and document defendable classification rationales, including notes, GRIs, Explanatory Notes, CROSS rulings, and internal precedents.
Maintain and continuously improve the product classification database within the company’s ERP and/or Global Trade Management (GTM) system.
Support country-of-origin and preferential origin determinations (e.g., USMCA and other FTAs) based on bills of material and manufacturing processes.
Partner with Purchasing, Logistics, Engineering, and Product Management to obtain complete and accurate technical data necessary to classify new and existing products.
Assist with internal audits, CF28/CF29 responses, and other inquiries from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and foreign customs authorities related to classification.
Monitor relevant changes in the Harmonized System, HTSUS, and classification rulings; update internal classifications and procedures accordingly.
Contribute to training materials and deliver training to internal stakeholders on classification fundamentals and data requirements.