Packaging Engineer

About the role

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and validating returnable and expendable packaging systems for commercial and heavy-duty automotive components — including seating systems. This role partners closely with Program Management, Manufacturing, Logistics, and customers to deliver packaging solutions that protect product integrity, optimize transportation efficiency, and meet customer-specific requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Packaging Design & Development
  • Design and develop returnable and expendable packaging for complex automotive assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components using CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
  • Conduct packaging feasibility studies at program launch; define dunnage concepts and container specifications to protect parts from point of manufacture to point of use.
  • Create and maintain packaging drawings, bill of materials (BOM), and technical specifications in accordance with customer and internal standards.
  • Evaluate foam, thermoform, corrugated and metal rack options to optimize part protection, stackability, and cube utilization.
• Validation & Testing
  • Develop and execute packaging validation plans including drop, vibration, and transportation simulation testing (ISTA, ASTM, or customer-defined protocols).
  • Analyze failure modes and implement corrective actions to resolve recurring packaging damage issues at customers or during transit.
  • Support First Article and PPAP/APQP packaging deliverables; document results and obtain customer sign-off per program timing.
• Customer & Supplier Collaboration
  • Interface directly with OEM customers (e.g., Daimler, PACCAR, Volvo, Navistar, Ford, GM) to interpret and implement packaging specifications and standards.
  • Manage packaging suppliers — issue RFQs, review quotes, select suppliers, and oversee prototype build and production tool releases.
  • Participate in customer packaging reviews, launch readiness audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Logistics & Cost Management
  • Optimize packaging designs to maximize truck and container cube utilization, minimize freight cost, and reduce material waste.
  • Track and manage packaging inventory; coordinate returnable container pools with customers and third-party logistics providers.
  • Develop cost estimates for packaging programs; identify and implement cost reduction opportunities without compromising protection requirements.

Visa sponsorship is not provided for this role; applicants must be authorized to work in the country of the job posting location on a full-time basis.