Contracts & Export Compliance Specialist at Hartzell Propeller – Piqua, Ohio

Hartzell Propeller, founded in 1917 and headquartered in Piqua, Ohio, is the global leader in advanced aircraft propeller design and manufacturing for general aviation. The company supports both piston-engine and turboprop aircraft and provides custom propulsion solutions for electric, hybrid-electric, and advanced air mobility programs. Hartzell has continued to expand its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including Tanis Aircraft Products in 2021 and Whirlwind Propeller in 2024, strengthening its experimental market offerings. Since 2024, Hartzell has also enhanced its MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) presence through the acquisition of 9 separate MRO facilities across North America and Europe.

Description

Hartzell Propeller seeks a Contracts & Export Compliance Specialist to support the Sales organization by reviewing customer contracts, assisting with negotiations, and supporting export compliance activities. This role helps ensure sales-related agreements and international transactions align with company policies and applicable regulations while enabling efficient commercial execution.

This position works cross-functionally with Sales, Operations, Legal, and Regulatory teams and operates under the guidance of company leadership.

Key Responsibilities:

1) Contracts Support

o Review of sales-related documents including Purchase Orders, RFQs, RFPs, SOWs, Proposals, Quotes, Contracts, and Amendments

o Identify non-standard terms and escalate risk items as appropriate

o Draft redlines and proposed responses using approved company templates and boilerplate

o Support interpretation of FAR/DFAR flow down requirements

o Maintain contract review checklists and standard language libraries

o Track contract status, renewals, and expiration dates

o Maintain accurate contract files and database records

o Provide guidance to internal stakeholders on contract review processes

2) Export Compliance Support including supporting the administration of the company’s export compliance program

o Assist with ITAR and EAR compliance activities

o Support product classification documentation (USML / ECCN)

o Prepare and track export license applications and amendments

o Conduct denied party screenings and country eligibility reviews

o Support technical data control and document marking requirements

o Monitor regulatory updates and assist with implementation of process changes

o Assist with audit preparation and compliance documentation

o Regulatory Coordination

o Support data collection and coordination with foreign airworthiness authorities for TC and STC validations

3) Additional Responsibilities: Provide general paralegal and administrative support as needed

First Year Success Factors

1) Develop working knowledge of Hartzell’s contract review process

2) Demonstrate sound judgment in identifying contract risk

3) Build effective working relationships with Sales and Operations teams

4) Maintain accurate and organized contract and compliance documentation

5) Contribute to improvements in contract review tools and templates

Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Legal Studies, or related field preferred
• Paralegal certification preferred
• 2–4 years of experience in contract administration, corporate paralegal work, or compliance support
• Experience in aerospace, manufacturing, or regulated industries preferred

Technical Competencies

1) Basic understanding of commercial contract structures

2) Familiarity with FAR/DFAR and export regulations (ITAR/EAR) preferred

3) Strong organizational and project coordination skills

4) Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines

5) Excellent written and verbal communication skills

6) Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) and CRM (Salesforce)

Behavioral Characteristics

1) Customer Focus - Makes customers and their needs a primary focus of one’s actions; develops and sustains productive customer relationships.

2) Builds Strategic Working Relationships – Develops and uses collaborative relationships to facilitate the accomplishment of work goals.

3) Sales Ability/Persuasiveness – Uses appropriate interpersonal styles and communication methods to gain acceptance of a product, service, or idea from prospects, clients and leadership team.

4) Continuous Learning – Actively identifies new areas for learning; regularly creates and takes advantage of learning opportunities; uses newly gained knowledge and skill on the job and learns through their application.

5) Initiates Action – Takes prompt action to accomplish objectives; takes action to achieve goals beyond what is required; is proactive.

6) Energy - Consistently maintains high levels of activity or productivity; sustain long working hours when necessary; operate with vigor. Effectiveness and determination over extended periods of time.

Our Culture

We are a team that prides ourselves on a culture that supports shared values of empowerment, accountability, drive, integrity, and respect. Our team shares a deep commitment to safety, collaboration, and a love for all things aviation. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to support your well-being and professional growth including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, life insurance, 401(K) plans with employer match, company provided Growth Participation Units (GPU) and so much more. Our GPU benefit is unique to the industry and encourages all employees to think like owners and receive future financial reward for contributions to business growth. Join our team to be part of a culture that encourages growth and development and celebrates our success.

Hartzell Propeller has a pre-employment and random Federal Drug & Alcohol Testing requirement and tests for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines and phencyclidine in addition to alcohol.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veteran/Disability/E-Verify