Customs Specialist

Varel Energy Solutions (VES) is one of the world’s largest independent manufacturers and suppliers of downhole drilling and completions products to the energy sector. The key to the company's success is underpinned by the virtues and the cultural framework of our employees. VES offers an exciting and fast-paced work environment, attractive benefits, and competitive pay. If you’re looking to invest in your career development, Varel Energy Solutions is the right place for you. Come join our team!

Summary: VES is looking for a Customs Specialist to join our team in our Brownsville location. This person will work to ensure compliant, efficient, and cost-effective execution of import and export activities. This position manages the day-to-day coordination with customs brokers, carriers, freight forwarders, and internal stakeholders to guarantee adherence to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations and on-time delivery. The role also supports coordination with maquiladora operations in Mexico to ensure proper documentation, timely border movements, and accurate customs reporting.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Import & Export Coordination

• Perform daily import and export transactions to and from the United States, ensuring compliance with CBP, Census Bureau, and other U.S. government agency requirements.
• Coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders to ensure the timely release, transportation, and delivery of shipments.
• Manage AES filings, ISF submissions, and prepare international shipping documents (commercial invoices, packing lists, BL/AWB/BOL, certificates of origin).
• Track shipments and communicate status updates to internal logistics and operations teams

Customs Compliance

• Ensure compliance with U.S. import and export laws, including HTS classification, valuation, country of origin determination, and free trade agreement qualification (USMCA, etc.).
• Maintain accurate records for all import/export transactions in accordance with CBP’s recordkeeping requirements (19 CFR Part 163).
• Support internal and external audits, post-entry amendments, and reconciliation filings.
• Ensure brokers follow company instructions, classification, and documentation standards.

Maquiladora Coordination

• Support U.S.–Mexico trade flows by ensuring documentation accuracy for shipments related to maquiladora (IMMEX) operations.
• Coordinate with Mexican counterpart teams to align on entry/exit documentation, in-bond material, temporary imports, and reconciliation of materials.
• Ensure U.S. export paperwork supports maquiladora import requirements and facilitates on-time border clearance.
• Identify and address potential delays, discrepancies, or compliance risks related to cross-border activities.

Transportation & Logistics Support

• Coordinate inbound and outbound transportation for both domestic and international shipments.
• Work with logistics service providers to optimize routes, costs, and service levels while ensuring regulatory compliance.
• Monitor carrier performance, freight costs, and customs-related demurrage or detention.
• Support freight invoice reviews and cost reporting.
• Maintain Logistics trackers with the latest information on each shipment.

Trade Data & Process Improvement

• Perform compliance screening in Descartes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives in customs and logistics processes.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of SOPs, work instructions, and compliance manuals related to logistics and U.S. import/export operations.

• Coordinate regularly with sales, production, and logistics stakeholders to review order status and address issues proactively.

• Ensure timely shipment of sales orders and participate in inventory and cycle counts to support inventory integrity.

Education and/or Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in International Trade, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or related field.
• In-depth knowledge of U.S. Customs regulations (19 CFR), Harmonized Tariff Schedule and U.S. export control basics.
• Familiarity with free trade agreements (USMCA preferred) and related origin documentation.
• Licensed Customs Broker certification or Certified Customs Specialist (CCS) is a strong plus.
• Minimum 5–7 years of experience in U.S. import/export operations, including hands-on customs compliance and logistics coordination.
• Experience working with maquiladora operations or supporting cross-border trade between the U.S. and Mexico.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with customs brokers, freight forwarders, and carriers.
• Experience using SAP or similar ERP systems for trade and logistics transactions.

Thank you for your interest in a career with Varel Energy Solutions.