Packaging Engineer Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Anduril's Sentry team is seeking a Packaging Engineer to join our team. The Packaging Engineer will be responsible for developing innovative packaging solutions that protect our advanced defense hardware systems throughout the entire product lifecycle - from manufacturing to field deployment. This role works closely with design, manufacturing, and logistics teams to create packaging that meets the demanding requirements of defense applications, including protection against environmental conditions, rough handling, and transportation challenges.

The right person for this role can demonstrate past holistic ownership of packaging solutions for complex technical products, with a proven ability to balance protection requirements with cost and material constraints in a fast-paced, resource-limited environment. If you are someone who thrives in such an environment and enjoys the challenge of protecting sophisticated systems in demanding conditions, then this role is for you.

• Lead packaging development from concept through production, delivering structural packaging solutions that protect products, enhance the Anduril brand experience, and meet cost, quality, and sustainability targets.
• Own packaging design execution, validation, supplier coordination, and issue resolution, serving as the technical expert for packaging across new and existing products within the Sentry product family.
• Develop and refine detailed packaging design documentation, including CAD models, drawings, specifications, and work instructions to ensure consistent quality and repeatability in packaging processes.
• Partner with Hardware Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, PMO, Logistics, Quality, and Deployment & Mission Ops to ensure packaging feasibility, tooling readiness, and production alignment.
• Apply DFM/DFA and Value Engineering principles to balance protection, aesthetics, manufacturability, sustainability, and cost in packaging design.
• Create and maintain accurate 3D CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and specifications within PDM/PLM systems to ensure manufacturing consistency.
• Support prototype builds, pilot runs, and production ramp to ensure scalable execution of packaging solutions.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for packaging-related quality, warranty, and field issues.
• Drive cost savings, material optimization, and sustainability improvements across existing packaging designs and processes.
• Research and implement new materials and construction methods to improve packaging performance and efficiency.
• Collaborate with suppliers to meet compliance, quality, cost, and timeline targets for packaging components and materials.
• Standardize packaging documentation, specifications, and engineering best practices across the organization.
• Support adoption of simulation, validation, and AI-enabled packaging design tools to enhance design capabilities and efficiency.

• Degree in a technical field such as Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related discipline
• 5+ years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably for electronic, electromechanical, or defense products
• Demonstrated ability to design and validate protective packaging solutions for sensitive or high-value products
• Experience with packaging materials selection, testing methodologies, and performance analysis
• Knowledge of industry packaging standards and test protocols (ASTM, ISTA, MIL-STD)
• Proficiency with CAD software for packaging design (SolidWorks, NX, or similar)
• Extremely organized and detail-oriented
• Excellent verbal & written communication skills
• Experience in packaging configuration management and change control processes
• Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export controlled information or facilities

• Experience designing packaging for military or defense applications
• Certified Packaging Professional (CPP) or similar industry certification
• Demonstrated success in designing packaging for products with challenging protection requirements (shock-sensitive, environmentally sensitive, etc.)
• Experience with sustainable packaging design and materials selection
• Knowledge of international shipping regulations and packaging requirements
• Hands-on experience with packaging testing equipment and methodologies
• Experience with packaging for products at different stages of maturity, from prototypes to high-volume production
• Prior experience working with JIRA, Siemens NX, Teamcenter (PLM), or Oracle (ERP) or equivalents
• Familiarity with logistics systems and transportation modes and their impact on packaging requirements
• Experience with Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) for packaging process control and traceability
• Experience with reusable packaging systems design and implementation