Packaging Engineer

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Packaging Engineer to lead the design, development, validation, and launch of packaging solutions for a Tier 1 automotive value-added assembly environment. This role will support inbound directed-buy and sourced components, internal material flow, and outbound finished goods packaging, including customer-facing final assembly racks.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop packaging for inbound components, internal WIP, and outbound finished goods.
• Lead returnable packaging and dunnage development for directed-buy and sourced suppliers.
• Develop and approve final assembly racks that ship directly to customers and meet all customer specifications.
• Review customer/OEM packaging standards and translate requirements into internal, supplier, and vendor specifications.
• Coordinate packaging trials, fit checks, line trials, transport testing, and validation.
• Create and maintain packaging specifications, drawings, BOMs, work instructions, pack data, and approval records.
• Work with suppliers, rack builders, packaging vendors, customers, logistics, manufacturing, quality, purchasing, and engineering.
• Support APQP, PPAP, launch readiness, run-at-rate, engineering changes, and production issue resolution.
• Optimize packaging for product protection, ergonomics, cost, pack density, freight efficiency, material flow, sustainability, and standardization.
• Resolve packaging-related issues such as part damage, poor line-side presentation, container shortages, supplier noncompliance, and customer concerns.
• Manage multiple packaging projects and launch deliverables in a fast-paced automotive manufacturing environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain, Logistics, or related field.
• 3+ years of packaging engineering, material handling, logistics engineering, or manufacturing experience.
• Automotive manufacturing or Tier 1 supplier experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with returnable packaging, dunnage, racks, totes, bulk containers, or expendable packaging.
• CAD experience with SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, NX, or similar.
• Strong knowledge of material flow, ergonomics, launch support, supplier coordination, and packaging documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with GM, Ford, Stellantis, or other OEM packaging standards and customer portals.
• Experience with APQP, PPAP, PFEP, IATF 16949, Lean Manufacturing, and root cause analysis.
• Experience with rack/dunnage RFQs, supplier packaging approvals, packaging validation, and returnable fleet sizing.
• Strong Excel, PowerPoint, ERP/MRP, and packaging database skills.

Candidates residing in California or Colorado are not eligible for remote positions.