Supply Chain Systems Engineer

Location: Washington, DC (On-site)

Industry: Defense, Aerospace, High-Value Logistics

Job Type: Full-Time

Our client, a fast-growing innovator in advanced cargo and logistics solutions, is seeking a highly technical and hands-on Supply Chain Systems Engineer to lead cross-functional initiatives at the intersection of engineering design, complex packaging, and logistics execution. This role will drive mission-critical projects supporting the safe and efficient transport of highly sensitive, oversized, and out-of-gauge equipment for clients in defense, aerospace, and high-tech sectors.

As part of a nimble, collaborative team, you’ll take projects from conceptual design through build and delivery, owning the full lifecycle of supply chain systems engineering. This is a rare opportunity to make a measurable impact by integrating product engineering with real-world logistics challenges—ensuring that what is built moves safely, quickly, and seamlessly.

Why Join?

• Be at the forefront of reshaping how mission-critical equipment moves across the globe.
• Join a highly specialized, entrepreneurial team with real ownership of your projects.
• Work closely with iconic organizations across aerospace and defense, managing projects with direct visibility from executive leadership.
• Competitive compensation, performance-based bonuses, and full benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
• Enjoy a hands-on environment where innovation, execution, and impact are highly valued.

Key Responsibilities

Engineering & Packaging Design

• Design bespoke shipping platforms, enclosures, supports, and protective packaging for valuable or delicate freight.
• Perform FEA and structural assessments to validate durability under handling and transit conditions.
• Develop integrated tie-down, shock isolation, and lift systems to ensure secure movement of out-of-gauge assets.
• Collaborate on first-article builds and validation testing, ensuring performance and compliance with engineering specs.

Supply Chain & Logistics Integration

• Design the end-to-end logistics process—from manufacturing sites to global delivery points—ensuring compatibility, risk reduction, and cost-efficiency.
• Analyze customer product and routing plans, identifying areas to optimize for time, cost, and cargo protection.
• Create detailed routing, packaging, and lifting documentation (including SOPs and handling manuals).
• Assess site constraints, port options, and transportation feasibility for unique cargo types.

Vendor, Supplier, and Carrier Management

• Identify and manage domestic and international manufacturing and transport vendors.
• Draft scopes of work, conduct quality assurance reviews, and enforce technical performance benchmarks.
• Liaise with third-party carriers and logistics providers to ensure secure, on-time deliveries.

Compliance, Quality, and Risk Mitigation

• Carry out failure‑mode and effects analyses (FMEA) and guarantee that all work meets ISO, DOT, OSHA, and ITAR/EAR requirements.
• Spearhead root-cause investigations and continuous improvement for any logistics-related incidents.
• Promote sustainability by designing reusable containers and minimizing packaging waste.

Systems & Performance Analytics

• Build models to track KPIs like damage rates, on-time deliveries, and cost-to-ship.
• Integrate logistics data into internal systems (ERP/QMS) for full traceability and reporting.
• Provide insights to executive leadership and customer stakeholders using analytics dashboards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the key connector between engineering, program management, and commercial teams.
• Interpret customer technical requirements and translate them into actionable engineering and logistics plans.
• Support proposal development and customer presentations by highlighting supply chain engineering value.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Systems, Industrial, or Materials Engineering.
• 10+ years of experience in complex manufacturing, logistics engineering, or supply chain design.
• Proven track record in CAD modeling (preferably SolidWorks), structural analysis, and packaging design.
• Direct experience with logistics routing, out-of-gauge transport planning, and supplier coordination.
• Strong field experience—comfortable working on-site with vendors, overseeing inspections, and solving hands-on engineering challenges.
• U.S. Citizenship required due to project sensitivity.

Preferred:

• Aerospace, defense, or semiconductor industry exposure.
• Experience with FEA tools and ITAR-compliant environments.
• Familiarity with global logistics operations and alternative port routing.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS