Packaging and Logistics Engineer

We currently have an opportunity for a Packaging and Logistics Engineer

About KNDS UK:

With over a century of engineering expertise and innovation, KNDS UK is a renowned world leader in rapidly deployable military bridging systems and a key partner in the UK MoD's Boxer armoured vehicle programme.

We are proud of our heritage and our reputation of providing the highest quality engineering solutions for over 100 years. As a trusted partner to military customers around the world, our employees are the very heart of our company. We have a skilled and experienced workforce dedicated to achieving excellence in all areas of the business such as Manufacturing, Engineering, Project Management and Business Support functions.

As our business evolves, we are looking to strengthen our workforce with talented and motivated individuals across a range of disciplines and currently have this opportunity available.

About the role:

The primary purpose of this role is to support the MP&L (Materials, Planning, and Logistics) function to optimise the movement, storage, and protection of materials for Boxer MIV and Bridge systems. The role support the Plan for Every Part (PFEP) methodology, developing documented packaging solutions for inbound materials and products, and ensuring efficient internal movement of material across the site. The engineer will spearhead lean principles to reduce waste, maintain accurate engineering and logistics documentation, and deliver ongoing cost savings

Key duties include, but are not limited to:

• Lead and maintain the PFEP database. Develop, test, and implement packaging solutions for inbound materials, subassemblies, finished goods, and internal material flow. Scope and introduce stillages to improve space utilisation and part protection.
• Work closely with MP&L teams to ensure safe, efficient packaging and transport solutions across the supply chain.
• Identify, design, and implement internal and external returnable packaging loops that support operational efficiency and commercial value.
• Standardise packaging formats and suppliers to reduce complexity, improve consistency, and unlock cost savings.
• Configure and optimise Kanban levels, storage locations, labelling standards, and lot sizes to support smooth and reliable material flow.
• Manage packaging inventory to ensure availability for production while minimising floorspace usage and overheads.
• Track packaging and logistics KPIs to identify bottlenecks, highlight risks, and drive continuous improvement.
• Act as the packaging and materialflow focal point within AIT. Work with colleagues in Germany to align standards and embed shared best practice at KNDS Stockport.
• Lead structured problemsolving and improvement activities during rampup and steadystate production. Reduce logistics waste, optimise shopfloor footprints, and shape lineside presentation standards.
• Provide earlystage input to engineering and product development to ensure components are designed for safe transport, efficient unpacking, and optimal storage while meeting quality, environmental, and cost targets.
• Create and maintain SOPs, materialflow diagrams, and packaging specifications. Ensure BOM and ERP data is accurate and up to date.

What we’re looking for:

Candidates must have the following essential qualifications and experience:

• Ideally educated to Bachelor level or equivalent in a Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Logistics Engineering discipline, OR an HND / Advanced/Higher Apprenticeship with equivalent industrial experience.
• Technical skillset developed in complex manufacturing or heavy engineering environments.
• Proven track record of developing inbound/outbound packaging solutions, managing packaging suppliers, and optimizing internal material flow strategies.
• Core understanding of PFEP (Plan for Every Part) methodology and lean manufacturing principles (waste reduction, 5S, line-side presentation).
• Proficient key user of critical logistics and ERP platforms, including advanced operation within SAP.
• Experience managing logistics configurations such as Kanban loops, storage mapping, and lot sizing.
• Experience in a similar role within an industrial, automotive, or aerospace environment.
• Understanding of Engineering Change processes and their impact on logistics/packaging.

The following are desirable:

• Experience working within a complex, international corporate structure (ideally coordinating with German manufacturing footprints).
• Direct experience with heavy fabrication, armored vehicle manufacturing, or defense sector logistics.
• Formally trained in advanced SAP logistics or manufacturing modules.

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the followingskills and aptitudes:

• Hands-on approach with a strong presence on the shopfloor to support operational teams.
• Flexible attitude capable of adapting to changing production rates and scaling requirements.
• Strong data/information management and presentation skillset (Excel, PFEP software, etc.).
• Excellent cross-functional communication skills with commercial and business awareness regarding freight and packaging costs.

Why you should join us:

When you become part of the KNDS UK team, you will enjoy employee benefits such as:

• Competitive salary
• Attractive pension (4% employee contribution, 7% employer contribution)
• Half-day Friday
• Life assurance scheme
• Company sick pay scheme which increases with service
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Additional Holidays & Long Service rewards
• Wellbeing initiatives, such as Free Fruit on Tuesday's
• Cycle-to-work Scheme
• Free on-site car parking
• On-site electric vehicle charging points

We're also very proud to be part of the Armed Forces Covenant since 2018, achieving their Silver Award in 2020 and Gold Award in 2024. We actively support and encourage service leavers, reservists and cadets to join our team, recognising military skills and qualifications in our recruitment and selection process.

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