Packaging Engineer, Ford Energy

About the role

As a Packaging Engineer at Ford Energy, you will lead material flow initiatives within a next-generation gigafactory, optimizing the supply chain for battery manufacturing components. This high-impact role combines startup agility with the backing of a legacy manufacturing powerhouse, focusing on industrializing Ford Energy’s Battery Systems and scaling operations at our Glendale facility.

You will apply engineering principles to improve high-volume battery storage manufacturing, drive production throughput, and foster a culture of lean manufacturing excellence. This position requires collaboration across functions, innovation in packaging solutions, and leadership in a fast-paced, highly automated environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead cross-functional projects focused on material flow and component packaging, interfacing with automation and manufacturing operators.
• Work with Ford Purchasing and fabrication suppliers to quote, analyze bids, and procure production fleets.
• Monitor packaging development progress, ensuring fabricator quality and adherence to standards and timelines.
• Forecast and manage operating expense and capital budgets.
• Schedule and complete transportation testing, collaborating with test engineers to define criteria and document pass/fail conditions. Develop action plans to address any issues identified during testing.
• Lead Kaizen activities to optimize returnable and disposable packaging fleets.
• Improve part protection, functionality, density, and durability of packaging solutions.
• Advance packaging engineering through the adoption of new technologies, methods, and ideas.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Supply Chain/Logistics, or a related field.
• 1 or more years of experience in a manufacturing environment (internships or co-op experience considered).
• 1 or more years of experience deploying packaging solutions and interfacing with automation.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally up to 50%.

Qualifications (Preferred)

• Fabrication knowledge with steel and aluminum racking.
• Experience with a variety of packaging materials.
• Experience in Greenfield site development or high-volume manufacturing (automotive, battery, or electronics).
• Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or Black Belt).
• Experience with 8D, 5-Why analysis, DMAIC/DMADV methodologies, and lean tools (6S, Kanban, Poka-Yoke, Value Stream Mapping).
• Familiarity with engineering change and release systems (e.g., WERS, CORA, or similar).
• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD, MODAPTS, and manufacturing simulation tools.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, PowerPoint) and working knowledge of Teamcenter Engineering, CATIA V5, or similar.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and team-building skills.
• Passion for energy systems and U.S. energy independence.

Leadership Attributes

• Strategic visionary: Translates production data into scalable manufacturing strategies aligned with the growing BESS industry.
• Decisive under pressure: Makes rapid, data-driven decisions during line balancing and production ramp-up.
• Adaptable: Leads effectively in an evolving startup environment and supports a 24/7 operation, including nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.

Benefits

• Immediate medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Flexible family care days, paid parental leave, new parent ramp-up programs, and subsidized back-up child care.
• Family-building benefits, including adoption, surrogacy expense reimbursement, and fertility treatments.
• Vehicle discount program for employees and family members, including management leases.
• Tuition assistance.
• Established and active employee resource groups.
• Paid time off for individual and team community service.
• Generous paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day.
• Paid time off and the option to purchase additional vacation time.

Pay

This position is classified under salary grades 6-8, with a range of $74,300–$166,200. Final salary will be determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, job scope, responsibility, and competitive market value.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.