Aerospace Packaging Design Engineer for UAV Hardware

Redwire; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 106,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

Paid PTO

Paid holidays

Medical, vision, and dental insurance

Group Short-Term & Long-Term Disabled

HSA and FSA Options

Critical Care Plan

Accident Care Plan

Job summary

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking a Packaging Engineer to develop, test, and optimize packaging for UAV components, avionics, and mission‑critical subsystems. The role focuses on protective packaging with an industrial‑design mindset, balancing aesthetics with unboxing and presentation.

You will convert CAD models to final designs, perform ISTA/MIL-STD testing, collaborate with engineering and logistics, and create BOMs and assembly documentation while ensuring global deployment readiness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering or related field.
• 3–6 years of packaging design experience in aerospace/defense or similar industries.
• Experience with packaging presentation and producing high-quality visuals.
• Proficiency with CAD design tools such as SolidWorks or NX.
• Knowledge of ISTA, ASTM or MIL-STD environmental and transport testing standards.
• Strong cushioning design, shock/vibration mitigation and protective case engineering.
• Ability to communicate effectively and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong documentation, organization and project-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop packaging concepts that elevate presentation and useability (unboxing flow, labeling heirarchy and visual layout)
• Own packaging graphics and create professional presentation materials including: renderings, exploded views, packaging mockups and design reviews.
• Engineer durable and cost‑effective packaging solutions for UAV components, avionics, optics, propulsion systems and ground support equipment.
• Convert engineering requirements and CAD models into complete packaging designs, drawings and specifications.
• Conduct and document validation testing (drop, vibration, shock, environmental, transit) in accordance with ISTA, ASTM and MIL‑STD guidelines.
• Ensure packaging meets durability and environmental protection needs for global and expeditionary deployment conditions.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineering, manufacturing, and logistics teams to integrate packaging seamlessly into production workflows.
• Create BOMs, packaging instructions, and assembly documentation for internal and supplier use.
• Support material selection and supplier qualification for foam, corrugate, composite and protective case suppliers.
• Diagnose and resolve packaging‑related issues from production or field feedback, driving continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with defense packaging standards and export regulations.

Skills

Packaging design

Aerospace/defense experience

CAD: SolidWorks/NX

ISTA/MIL-STD testing

Communication & collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

Redwire Defense Tech is seeking a Packaging Engineer to develop, test, and optimize packaging for UAV components, avionics, and mission‑critical subsystems. The role focuses on protective packaging with an industrial‑design mindset, balancing aesthetics with unboxing and presentation.

You will convert CAD models to final designs, perform ISTA/MIL-STD testing, collaborate with engineering and logistics, and create BOMs and assembly documentation while ensuring global deployment readiness.