Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Packaging

About Mach Industries

Founded in 2023, Mach Industries is a rapidly growing defense technology company focused on developing next-generation autonomous defense platforms. At the core of our mission is the commitment to delivering scalable, decentralized defense systems that enhance the strategic capabilities of the United States and its allies. With a workforce of approximately 350 employees, we operate with startup agility and ambition.

Our vision is to redefine the future of warfare through cutting-edge manufacturing, innovation at speed, and unwavering focus on national security. We are dedicated to solving the next generation of warfare with lethal systems that deter kinetic conflict and protect global security.

The Role

Mach Industries builds autonomous defense platforms and the factories that produce them at scale. As Lead Packaging Engineer, you will own how components and raw materials arrive at our factories, move through them, and move between our sites. That covers supplier packaging, returnable containers, line-side presentation and inter-plant material movement.

This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You will set Mach's inbound, in-plant and inter-plant packaging strategy and standards, design and validate packaging yourself, and mentor a growing team so we can ramp production quickly without compromising quality, safety or cost. You will thrive here if you move fast, work precisely, and are willing to challenge how packaging has traditionally been done.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the packaging engineering roadmap for inbound, in-plant and inter-plant packaging across Mach's product lines and factories.

• Lead packaging projects from concept through validation, supplier production, plant trials and launch, in line with NPI and production-ramp milestones.

• Partner with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Material Flow, Quality and EHS to define packaging requirements early in product development. Review engineering drawings and specifications to set packaging, quality, safety and material requirements.

• Design custom racks, returnable containers, dunnage, kitting carts and expendable packaging that protect parts, maximize pack density and support ergonomic line-side presentation. Release the designs as production-ready CAD and drawings, including tolerance stack-ups.

• Use virtual packaging evaluation tools (such as Pack Studio or PackAssistant) to import part CAD and define each part's orientation and protection requirements. Compare options such as knockdown crates, pigeonhole racks and bulk bins before committing to prototypes or capital.

• Define and run packaging validation, including ISTA, ASTM D4169, drop, vibration and compression testing. Apply UN, safety, ergonomic and sustainability requirements, including for inbound lithium batteries, hazardous materials and ESD-sensitive electronics.

• Own PFEP (Plan for Every Part) and packaging master data. Map material flow within and between plants to improve handling, storage and replenishment.

• Evaluate returnable versus expendable packaging on total cost of ownership, including freight, storage, handling, repair and disposal. Build packaging cost models and capital forecasts for new programs, and present cost drivers and recommendations to leadership.

• Select and manage packaging suppliers, and communicate packaging requirements to component suppliers. Approve designs and first articles, resolve nonconformances, and support Purchasing on quotes and negotiations.

• Establish packaging standards and supplier packaging requirements. Track KPIs (damage rate, pack density, cost per part, cube utilization) and drive continuous improvement, including expendable-to-returnable conversions.

• Mentor packaging engineers and technicians, and help hire and build the team.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Packaging, Industrial or Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, or equivalent experience.

• 7+ years of packaging engineering experience in automotive, aerospace, defense or other hardware manufacturing, including leading projects end to end.

• Hands-on experience designing racks, returnable containers, dunnage, expendable packaging and material handling solutions.

• Proficiency in 3D CAD (Siemens NX, SolidWorks, CATIA or similar), including GD&T and tolerance stack-ups.

• Strong knowledge of packaging materials (steel, aluminum, plastics, foams, corrugated, wood) and related processes (welding, sheet metal, machining, thermoforming, injection molding, foam fabrication).

• Experience validating packaging to ISTA and ASTM standards.

• Experience with PFEP, material flow mapping, packaging cost modeling and supplier management.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and aggressive timelines in a fast-paced, ambiguous environment.

• Strong communication and negotiation skills, and comfort presenting to operators, suppliers and senior leadership.

• Willingness to travel up to 25%.

• Must be a U.S. Person, as defined by ITAR.

Preferred Qualifications

• Automotive packaging engineering experience.

• Experience with inbound packaging for lithium batteries or hazardous materials, and DOT or IATA hazmat certification.

• Experience with ESD-protective packaging (ANSI/ESD S20.20, S541).

• Experience with virtual packaging evaluation tools (such as Pack Studio or PackAssistant), or FEA for rack and container design.

• Experience with a startup, greenfield factory launch or rapid production ramp.

• Experience leading or mentoring engineers.

• Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) credential.

• Experience with Teamcenter or similar PLM and ERP systems.

• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma training, including lean material flow and line-side presentation.

• An active security clearance, or the ability to obtain one.

Additional Requirements

• Available to work extended hours and weekends as needed

ITAR 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. Learn more about the ITAR here.

Senior Engineer$140,000-$180,000 USD

At Mach, we believe that compensation is more than just a paycheck. It's a comprehensive package designed to reward the time, skills, and expertise you bring to our team. We are committed to offering competitive compensation that is equitable, transparent, and aligned with market trends.

Key Elements of Our Compensation Philosophy:

• Competitive Salaries: We continuously research market rates to ensure our salaries are competitive with those in our industry and geographic location.
• Performance-Based Incentives: Our bonus structure is tied to both individual and company performance, creating a win-win scenario that motivates our team members to excel.
• Equity Participation: We offer stock options or equity to employees, ensuring that you share in the success and growth of the company.
• Benefit Packages: Our benefits include healthcare, dental and vision plans, retirement savings, and paid time off, because we understand that your well-being extends beyond the office.
• Professional Development: We allocate funds for continuing education, training, and career growth.
• Transparency: We are committed to openness about our compensation tiers and how decisions are made, ensuring trust and mutual respect.

By joining Mach, you’re not just accepting a job - you’re becoming a key part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your growth. Together, we aim to create a rewarding environment that sets the stage for long-term success.

Data Privacy
To view Mach Industries candidate data privacy policy, please visit https://machindustries.com/privacy-policy.

Disclosures

This position may require access to information protected under U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Please note that any offer for employment may be conditioned on authorization to receive software or technology controlled under these U.S. export control laws and regulations without sponsorship for an export license.

Mach participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.

The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offers may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and training, critical skills, and business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in most offers and are considered part of Mach’s total compensation package. Mach offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

Mach is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be treated with respect and receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, uniform service, Veteran status, age, or any other protected characteristic per federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. If you’d like to defend the American way of life, please reach out!