Packaging Engineer

Company Overview

Performance Drone Works (PDW) builds technologies for the warfighter, by the warfighter. Born out of the Drone Racing League, our roots are competitive, our mindset is tactical, and our mission is clear: deliver purpose-built unmanned systems to those who serve. We are not here to sell vapor; we build and ship real capabilities for real missions.

Now, we're entering a new phase of growth and are looking for a Packaging Engineer to contribute to the next wave of packaging solutions for our upcoming product lines. The ideal candidate will thrive working in an innovative and fast-paced work environment, have excellent critical thinking skills, and will play a pivotal role designing innovative packaging solutions that ensure product protection, quality, and cost efficiency throughout the product lifecycle within a production focused environment.

This individual will combine technical expertise with creativity to meet performance, sustainability, and regulatory requirements across a variety of sUAS systems product lines. This role will report to the Sr. Director of Mechanical Engineering.

• Design and develop protective packaging solutions for aircraft, payloads, ground control systems, and sensitive electronic components.
• Create packaging concepts and detailed drawings using CAD software (e.g., Solid Works, AutoCAD) to meet structural, environmental, and logistical requirements.
• Evaluate materials and packaging methods (foam, corrugate, composites, reusable crates, shock/vibration isolators) to ensure optimal protection and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and maintain packaging specifications, bills of materials, and documentation in compliance with internal and customer requirements.
• Conduct packaging validation and testing (vibration, drop, thermal, humidity, and compression) per relevant industry standards such as ASTM, ISTA, and MIL-STD-810.
• Collaborate with design, manufacturing, quality, and logistics teams to integrate packaging requirements early in product development.
• Ensure compliance with DoD, FAA, and export control (ITAR/EAR) packaging and labeling regulations.
• Support supplier qualification, material sourcing, and inspection of incoming packaging components.
• Lead root cause and corrective action efforts for packaging-related quality, transport, or field issues.
• Implement sustainability and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, cost, and environmental impact while maintaining performance.

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• 3-7 years of experience in packaging design or development, preferably in aerospace, defense, or high-reliability manufacturing.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (e.g., Solid Works, AutoCAD) and familiarity with PLM or ERP systems.
• Experience designing packaging for precision assemblies, electronics, and environmental sensitivity (ESD, moisture, vibration).
• Working knowledge of military and commercial packaging standards (MIL-STD-2073, MIL-STD-129, ASTM, ISTA).
• Strong understanding of material performance, cushioning design, and load analysis.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
• Experience with reusable and field-deployable packaging for ruggedized aerospace or defense systems.

• Experience in UAV aircraft, robotics development, and/or hobby drones.
• Background in sustainability or lightweight material design for aerospace logistics.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Ability to sit, stand, bend, reach, climb, and move about regularly throughout the day and lift / carry up to 50 pounds. Must have manual dexterity to operate standard machine shop equipment as well as standard office equipment. Must be physically capable of tolerating loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE).

This position typically operates in a standard office setting and manufacturing environment. This role requires use of standard office equipment and may involve exposure to loud noise, heat, cold, dust, or chemicals (with PPE) and may require occasional travel to test sites/customer locations/supplier facilities. This position may have exposure to outdoor weather conditions, noise, and non-climate-controlled environments. May require the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) depending on the environment.

This is a fast-paced work environment and requires cross departmental collaboration with independent and team-based responsibilities. Standard works hours for this position are 8:30am-5:00pm with occasional overtime as operational needs demand.

In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted…