Packaging Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced Packaging Engineer to join our aerospace engineering team. In this role, you will be responsible for designing, validating, and continuously improving packaging solutions for flight-critical hardware, avionics, electronic assemblies, and sensitive aerospace components. Your work will directly support program quality, schedule, and compliance objectives across both commercial and defense programs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and develop packaging concepts for aerospace components, avionics assemblies, and ground support equipment (GSE) in compliance with MIL-SPEC, and ASTM standards.
• Design and develop kitting concepts for efficient packaging of WIP.  Support packaging and kitting methods to promote ‘Move Safe’ activities inside the facility to protect hardware.
• Lead packaging qualification testing including shock, vibration, compression, drop, and environmental simulation; document test plans, procedures, and results.
• Perform structural analysis and finite element modeling (FEM) to validate packaging integrity under transportation and storage load cases.
• Collaborate with systems, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to ensure packaging designs are integrated from concept through production and delivery.
• Develop and maintain packaging specifications, drawings, and engineering orders (EOs) within PLM/PDM systems (e.g., Windchill, ENOVIA).
• Conduct failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) for packaging systems; lead root cause investigations and corrective action (RCA/CAPA) for packaging-related escapes.
•  Evaluate and qualify packaging materials including cushioning, desiccants, humidity indicators, barrier bags, and custom foam/tray inserts.
• Support supplier qualification activities and perform supplier audits related to packaging processes.
• Maintain and improve packaging BOMs, work instructions, and manufacturing routings in ERP systems.
• Champion sustainability initiatives by identifying opportunities to reduce packaging waste and transition to reusable or recyclable materials.
•  Provide technical support during production, including shop floor troubleshooting and traveler reviews.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.
•  5+ years of packaging engineering experience in aerospace, defense, aviation, or comparable high-reliability industry.
•  Experience with CAD tools (SolidWorks) for packaging design and tolerance analysis.
• Familiarity with ESD-sensitive hardware handling and packaging requirements per ANSI/ESD S20.20.
• Strong understanding of configuration management and engineering change processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience preparing formal engineering documentation.

Export Control / Compliance Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary range: $105,000-$125,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications)
ExoTerra offers a comprehensive total compensation package, including competitive salary, a discretionary annual bonus plan, paid time off (PTO), a comprehensive health benefits package, and various other benefits. When you join our team, you’re not just an employee; you become part of a dynamic community dedicated to innovation and excellence.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
ExoTerra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.