Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer 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. 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.