Packaging Engineer

About the Role

This role will oversee packaging from prototype design through RFQ, supplier selection, procurement, validation, and production readiness, ensuring parts are protected, cost-effective, ergonomic, and delivered in alignment with program timing. This position will be expected to work on-site at a client location in Troy, Michigan.

Responsibilities

• Lead shipping packaging development from prototype concept through procurement and production readiness.
• Review part characteristics, handling requirements, supplier locations, transportation modes, point-of-use needs, and quality requirements to define appropriate packaging solutions.
• Support the Purchasing team by reviewing expendable packaging forms and supplier-submitted packaging costs to ensure pricing is aligned with market trends.
• Drive cost and density improvements for expendable packaging.
• Coordinate prototype packaging builds, design reviews, stakeholder approvals, fit checks, and validation testing to confirm part protection and usability.
• Support RFQ packages, quote reviews, supplier selection, purchase order timing, and production packaging release with Purchasing and Supply Chain.
• Work with packaging suppliers, fabricators, part suppliers, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Engineering to resolve design, timing, cost, and quality issues.
• Ensure packaging supports safe handling, ergonomic requirements, labeling standards, damage prevention, storage efficiency, and point-of-use delivery.
• Track risks, open issues, supplier deliverables, prototype completion, validation results, purchase order status, and production packaging delivery timing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in packaging engineering, logistics, or manufacturing engineering, preferably in automotive or high-volume manufacturing.
• 2+ years of experience as an expendable packaging estimator or expendable packaging buyer is required.
• Hands-on experience developing, validating, and launching shipping packaging solutions for automotive or high-volume manufacturing programs.
• Experience with automotive launch timing, prototype builds, production validation, and SOP readiness.

Skills

• Familiarity with packaging specification forms, packaging guidelines, PFEP data, fleet sizing, density studies, and containerization strategies.
• Working knowledge of CAD drawings, STEP files, packaging prints, and supplier design reviews.
• Understanding of ergonomic, quality, transportation, labeling, and damage prevention requirements for inbound shipping packaging.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Able to work effectively with Purchasing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, suppliers, and packaging fabricators.
• Knowledge of packaging validation methods, including prototype reviews, fit checks, shaker testing, over-the-road testing, and first article approvals.
• Ability to support RFQs, quote reviews, supplier selection, purchase order planning, and production packaging release.
• Experience developing returnable and expendable packaging solutions, including racks, custom dunnage, standard containers, bulk containers, and supplier-provided packaging.
• Experience identifying cost reduction opportunities through right-sizing, standard containers, improved pack density, reusable packaging, and supplier ownership strategies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform shop-floor reviews, supplier reviews, and packaging inspections for extended periods.
• Ability to work in manufacturing, warehouse, prototype, and supplier environments as needed.

About Us

At Ghafari Associates, we don’t just design buildings—we help shape the future of the industries we serve. As a global leader in architecture, engineering, and consulting, we partner with clients to deliver forward-thinking solutions that transform how people work, manufacture, and connect. Our strength lies in our people. We bring together curious minds, technical experts, and creative problem-solvers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. Whether supporting major industrial programs or advancing federal and commercial projects, our teams are empowered to make a meaningful impact—both for our clients and within our communities.

We are committed to investing in our employees’ financial, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as their professional growth. Through robust training, licensure support, internships, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement, we provide the resources our people need to build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the communities we are proud to call home.