Import Freight Forwarder Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

ProteQ is a professional services company providing technical, engineering, logistics, business, and program management support to government and commercial clients. Our capabilities include complex systems integration, engineering, field operations, test and evaluation, environmental, health and safety (EHS) programs, audit services, and lifecycle program execution.

Supporting national security missions has been at the core of ProteQ since the company's founding. We specialize in the maritime domain, with extensive expertise in manned and unmanned undersea systems and operations. Our team has successfully led complex defense programs, integrating and transitioning advanced technologies from concept through operational deployment while providing technical, engineering, logistics, and executive-level support to our customers.

ProteQ is seeking a Field Service Engineer to support domestic and international field operations involving maritime systems, logistics, and technical project execution. This role is responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing field logistics and maritime operations in support of customer programs, ensuring projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with applicable U.S. and international regulations. The Field Service Engineer works closely with project managers, engineering teams, customers, subcontractors, and logistics providers throughout all phases of project execution. This position reports to the R&D and Field Support Manager.

Employment in this position is contingent upon contract award.

Responsibilities

As a valued team member, your role will encompass the following essential tasks:

• Identify customer requirements and assist in developing logistics support strategies, including cost, manpower, resources, schedules, facilities, materials, and services necessary to execute customer programs.
• Coordinate field logistics and maritime operations throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring support is delivered at the right place and time.
• Conduct advance site surveys to identify operational requirements, evaluate available resources, and provide recommendations to project leadership.
• Develop, implement, and execute Operations and Logistics Support Plans for domestic and international projects.
• Research, source, and coordinate transportation resources, vessel charters, port services, cargo handling equipment, and other logistics support assets.
• Coordinate project mobilization and demobilization activities, including cargo loading, transportation, offloading, asset accountability, and return of customer equipment.
• Support afloat operations, including loading, launch, recovery, handling, and transportation of marine systems and equipment. Provide afloat crew augmentation when required.
• Coordinate domestic and international shipments, including import/export activities, customs documentation, freight forwarding, and final delivery to customer locations.
• Ensure hazardous materials (HAZMAT) shipments are properly classified, packaged, marked, labeled, documented, and transported in compliance with applicable regulations. Review shipping documentation and assist in identifying undeclared hazardous materials.
• Monitor transportation schedules and shipment status from pickup through final delivery, proactively resolving logistics issues to minimize project impacts.
• Coordinate directly with overseas (OCONUS) logistics providers, freight forwarders, port authorities, and local agents in support of maritime exercises, demonstrations, and field operations.
• Serve as an on-site safety team member, promoting safe work practices and ensuring compliance with company and customer safety requirements.
• Communicate effectively with customers, suppliers, subcontractors, shipping agents, and project teams to ensure successful execution of project objectives.
• Procure project materials, equipment, and services while balancing cost, schedule, and quality requirements.
• Maintain accurate records of project assets, warehouse inventory, shipping documentation, and logistics activities.
• Prepare project status reports, logistics updates, and after-action reports for customers and company leadership.
• Proactively identify operational challenges and implement effective corrective actions to maintain project schedules and mission success.
• Perform other field service, logistics, and maritime operations duties as assigned in support of ProteQ programs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Maritime Studies, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field; or a minimum of six (6) years of relevant maritime industry experience or honorable U.S. military service supporting afloat and/or ashore operations.
• Demonstrated experience planning, coordinating, and executing field logistics and maritime operations in support of commercial or government programs.
• Working knowledge of maritime operations, including cargo handling, vessel loading and offloading, material handling equipment, containerization, palletization, and cargo blocking and bracing.
• Experience planning and executing safety-focused field operations in compliance with applicable OSHA, NAVOSH, U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), and Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requirements.
• Experience coordinating domestic and international logistics, transportation, and import/export activities is preferred.
• Ability to research, interpret, and apply Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) and Dangerous Goods transportation regulations across multiple transportation modes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, brief project teams, and communicate effectively with customers, executives, engineers, field personnel, and international service providers.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to safety, quality, and meeting project deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision while effectively managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as both a team member and team leader.
• Familiarity with enterprise resource planning (ERP) or logistics management systems.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, including extended assignments in support of customer operations.
• Active U.S. Passport or the ability to obtain one.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with uncrewed maritime systems and associated support equipment, including Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles (UUVs), Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and Launch and Recovery Systems (LARS).
• Experience supporting U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Navy (USN) afloat operations, expeditionary logistics, and transportation activities.
• Current or previous Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) Shipper Certification with knowledge of U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and International Maritime Organization (IMO) Dangerous Goods regulations.
• Current OSHA and/or DoD Forklift Operator certification.
• U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and/or Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels (OUPV "6-Pack") License, or U.S. Coast Guard Captain or Mate License.
• Knowledge of project management principles and methodologies; formal project management training or certification is a plus.
• Demonstrated proficiency with macOS operating systems, including the ability to effectively manage day-to-day computing, productivity, and collaboration tasks in a Mac-based environment.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience using the Microsoft Office Suite, including advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams, with the ability to prepare executive-level reports, presentations, data analyses, and communications.