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Job Title: Packaging Engineer

Job Description

The Supply Chain Systems and Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing and implementing engineered transport solutions that ensure cargo safety, compliance, and efficiency throughout the logistics lifecycle. This cross-functional technical role blends mechanical design, logistics integration, and program execution. You will design equipment and processes to move sensitive or heavy cargo, ensure technical alignment between engineering and transport partners, and drive performance standards that protect customer payloads from damage, delay, or loss.

Responsibilities

+ Design, model, and validate transport platforms, containers, cradles, packaging, and fixtures for oversized, high-value, or sensitive cargo.

+ Conduct FEA and load path analysis to confirm strength, stability, and securement under all handling conditions.

+ Engineer tie-down systems, lifting points, and shock/vibration isolation features to meet safety and product-specific requirements.

+ Perform first-article reviews and validation testing for new container or platform designs.

+ Ensure all designs meet quality standards, safety certifications, and customer specifications.

+ Engineer end-to-end logistics flow from build site to final delivery, ensuring safety and schedule adherence.

+ Analyze and optimize container/product designs, cost-effectiveness, and speed of logistics paths.

+ Develop routing, packaging, and loading plans that eliminate unnecessary transloads or cross-dock events.

+ Author handling manuals, SOPs, and lift plans for operators and site crews.

+ Assess facilities, crane access, and staging constraints to design compatible transport solutions.

+ Support project managers by embedding logistics engineering early in customer programs.

+ Identify, qualify, and manage fabrication and logistics partners for transport platforms, cradles, and equipment.

+ Draft and manage technical scopes of work and vendor performance metrics.

+ Coordinate QA inspections, dimensional checks, and acceptance criteria for suppliers and carriers.

+ Lead supplier and carrier briefings to align technical requirements and risk controls.

+ Perform FMEA and risk assessments for all transport-related operations.

+ Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, ITAR/EAR, and applicable OSHA and DOT regulations.

+ Lead corrective-action and root-cause investigations for logistics or handling issues.

+ Implement sustainability practices such as reusable platforms, low-impact packaging, and reduced transport waste.

+ Build models and dashboards tracking damage rate, on-time delivery, and cost-to-ship metrics.

+ Collect and analyze data to identify recurring risks or performance bottlenecks.

+ Integrate engineering and logistics data into ERP and QMS systems for full traceability.

+ Support program reporting to executive leadership and customers with data-driven insights.

+ Partner with Engineering, Program Management, and Commercial Operations to align product development, build schedules, and logistics readiness.

+ Interface directly with customers and end-users to interpret requirements and communicate technical constraints.

+ Support business development teams with cost models, technical presentations, and proposal content demonstrating logistics value.

Essential Skills

+ Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Materials, or Systems Engineering.

+ 10+ years of experience in aerospace, heavy manufacturing, logistics engineering, or supply-chain optimization.

+ Proven capability in mechanical design, complex product packaging, supply chain operations, platform or fixture engineering, and cargo movement analysis.

+ Familiarity with CAD tools (Creo) and structural validation tools (FEA, test correlation).

+ Understanding of logistics routing, carrier operations, and handling standards.

+ Excellent problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.

+ Hands-on approach with the ability to participate in field tests and inspections.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

+ Knowledge in CAD design for modeling containers.

+ Experience with cargo tracking system software.

Work Environment

This position is based on-site in the McLean office, with the option for one day of hybrid work once fully onboarded. The work involves collaborating with cross-functional teams and engaging in hands-on field tests and inspections.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Mc Lean, VA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $64.00 - $72.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Mc Lean,VA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 5, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email [email protected] (%[email protected]) for other accommodation options.