Title:
ANTARCTICA: Punta Arenas Packet Lead

Program Summary

The National Science Foundation (NSF) manages the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). The USAP supports all U.S. scientific research and related logistics in Antarctica and aboard USAP vessels that operate along the continental margin and in the Southern Ocean. Science within the Antarctic research portfolio is chosen and funded by NSF and other Federal agencies, including NASA, NOAA, and the Department of Energy. The purpose of the Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract (ASESC) is to enable that science.

All participants are responsible for maintaining a safe workplace and ensuring that safety is the highest priority. This includes compliance with all ASESC environmental health & safety, and quality assurance requirements.

Job Summary

The Punta Arenas Packet Lead serves as the senior operational leader for Antarctic Science and Engineering Support Contract (ASESC) activities conducted in Punta Arenas, Chile, which functions as a critical international logistics and transportation hub supporting Antarctic operations. This position provides leadership and oversight for logistics coordination, cargo operations, warehousing, transportation services, traveler support, facilities operations, contractor management, and stakeholder engagement. This Punta Arenas Packet Lead will serve as the primary liaison between program leadership, logistics providers, Chilean partners, government agencies, transportation providers, contractors, and internal operational teams to ensure seamless support for Antarctic deployments and redeployments.

*This position will require travel to Punta Arenas, Chile

Roles and Responsibilities

• Oversee logistics operations supporting the movement of personnel, cargo, equipment, supplies, and materials between global supply locations and Antarctica

• Coordinate transportation activities including airlift support, cargo movement, traveler processing, and deployment operations

• Manage relationships with local service providers, contractors, vendors, transportation partners, and logistics support organizations

• Coordinate closely with Antarctic stations, logistics teams, aviation operations, supply chain organizations, and science support personnel to ensure mission requirements are met

• Oversee warehousing, cargo staging, container management, material handling, and inventory activities conducted in Punta Arenas

• Support seasonal deployment and redeployment activities, including personnel movement, orientation, training coordination, and traveler support

• Monitor operational performance and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and mission support

• Ensure compliance with contractual requirements, local regulations, environmental requirements, customs processes, and program policies

• Develop operational plans, budgets, forecasts, schedules, procedures, and performance metrics

• Foster a culture of safety, customer service, operational excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement

Basic Qualifications

• U.S. citizenship and the ability to pass a National Agency Check with Inquiries (NACI) background investigation

• Bachelor's degree in Logistics, Supply Chain Management, International Business, or a related field; equivalent experience may be substituted in lieu of degree

• Typically 7+ years of experience in logistics, supply chain, field operations, or a related field

• Demonstrated experience supporting transportation, cargo movement, warehousing, traveler services, or international operations

• Knowledge of supply chain management, operational planning, logistics coordination, and contractor oversight

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to engage effectively with diverse international stakeholders

• Experience managing budgets, schedules, operational performance metrics, and resource requirements

• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required

Preferred Qualifications

• Spanish language proficiency

• Master's degree in International Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related field

• Experience working in South America or supporting international logistics hubs

• Knowledge of customs clearance, import/export regulations, international transportation, and freight forwarding processes

KBR Benefits

KBR offers a selection of competitive lifestyle benefits which could include 401K plan with company match, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, AD&D, flexible spending account, disability, paid time off, or flexible work schedule. We support career advancement through professional training and development.

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