Packaging EngineerWe 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.
The ideal candidate will have hands-on automotive packaging experience with returnable containers, custom dunnage, steel racks, totes, bulk containers, supplier packaging, customer/OEM packaging requirements, and production launch support.
Key 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.
Required Qualifications- 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.
