Who we are
Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.
Picogrid's hardware gets to some of the most operationally demanding environments on earth. That only happens because someone made sure every shipment was compliant, every customs document was right, and every package arrived intact — on time, every time. That someone is you.
As Operations & Logistics Coordinator, you will own Picogrid's shipping and receiving operations out of our El Segundo headquarters — managing the inbound and outbound movement of defense equipment and hardware across domestic and international borders. This is a hands-on execution role: you're the person who ensures every shipment leaves correctly packaged, correctly classified, and correctly documented, and that every inbound delivery is received, inspected, and properly accounted for.
You'll be the internal expert on dangerous goods handling and export compliance — ITAR, EAR, and the international shipping frameworks that govern where and how Picogrid's equipment can move. You'll manage ATA carnets for temporary international equipment transport, coordinate with customs brokers and freight forwarders, and build the SOPs that keep our logistics function reliable as the company scales.
You'll work closely with Production, Deployments, and Operations. If you're someone who takes genuine ownership of compliance, finds satisfaction in building reliable systems from the ground up, and understands that getting hardware to the field on time is itself a mission-critical act — this role is built for you.
Own all inbound and outbound shipment operations at Picogrid's El Segundo facility — domestic and international — including receiving, inspection, tracking, documentation, booking, and carrier management for standard freight, dangerous goods, and military equipment.
Ensure full export compliance across all shipments, including ITAR/EAR classification, licensing requirements, and end-use/end-user verification for international movements.
Manage ATA carnet documentation and processes for temporary international equipment movements, coordinating with customs brokers and freight forwarders to minimize delays and clearance risk.
Classify, package, mark, and document dangerous goods shipments in compliance with IATA/ICAO requirements — maintaining current DG certification and keeping all documentation audit-ready.
Build and maintain logistics SOPs, compliance checklists, and carrier/vendor documentation standards that create a scalable foundation as Picogrid's operational tempo increases.
Partner with Deployments to anticipate logistics needs for upcoming field programs, providing lead-time guidance and flagging compliance risks before they become blockers.
Chase process optimization and cost savings that continually improve the experience of the company and our customers.
Track and reconcile freight invoices and shipping spend, surfacing data to Finance and Operations leadership.
You hold yourself accountable for compliance. When you ship something, you've verified the classification, the authorization, and the documentation — not because someone told you to, but because you know what's at stake.
You build systems, not workarounds. You see a manual process and immediately start thinking about how to make it repeatable, auditable, and scalable.
You communicate ahead of problems, not after them. When a shipment is at risk — a customs hold, a missing license, a carrier delay — you surface it early and come with a plan.
You're comfortable operating at a startup. There's no large logistics team to hand things off to; you build the playbook and own the outcome.
You treat compliance as mission-critical, not a formality. You understand that improper handling of ITAR-controlled hardware or undeclared dangerous goods carries real legal, operational, and reputational consequences.
You're a calm, organized presence under pressure. Tight deadlines and international time zone complexity don't rattle you — they focus you.
4+ years of experience in shipping and receiving, freight operations, or logistics, with direct experience managing international shipments and export-controlled goods.
Demonstrated working knowledge of ITAR and EAR regulations, including classification requirements and shipping documentation.
Familiarity with international shipping compliance frameworks — including customs documentation, country-specific import/export requirements, and regulations such as BIS export licensing and TAA.
Current IATA/ICAO dangerous goods (DG) certification, or the ability to obtain it before handling a first DG shipment. IATA certification covers the preparation and compliant shipment of dangerous goods — including lithium batteries — by air, which is Picogrid's primary shipping mode. Experience with IMDG (sea) or 49 CFR (U.S. domestic ground) is a plus but not required.
Experience managing ATA carnet documentation for temporary international equipment transport.
U.S. Person status required (U.S. citizen, national, lawful permanent resident, or qualifying asylee/refugee) for access to ITAR-controlled technology.
Experience at a defense technology company, aerospace firm, or hardware-focused startup operating under ITAR/EAR.
Familiarity with military packaging standards (MIL-STD-2073) and DOD shipping documentation requirements.
Experience with freight management or ERP platforms (e.g., NetSuite, SAP) and customs brokerage tools.
Active U.S. security clearance, or eligibility and willingness to obtain one.
Base salary range: $90-150k Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid.
Significant stock options with high potential upside as an early-stage company.
401(k) with employer matching.
Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance).
Relocation assistance provided (if applicable).
Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year.
Paid parental leave for both parents.
Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette.
Free EV charging at the HQ.
Unique office in El Segundo, CA stocked with quality coffee, snacks, and craft beer.
Export Control Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
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