Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer

Location: Gastonia, NC Department: Engineering Employment Type: Full-Time

IFAB Corp. is a leading metal fabrication manufacturer serving customers across Class 6–8 trucking, agriculture, data centers, telecommunications, and other industrial markets. We are looking for a Packaging Engineer who will take ownership of our packaging engineering function and drive innovative, practical packaging solutions from concept through production.

We are looking for an engineer who can lead the entire packaging development process, make technical decisions, solve problems independently, and work cross-functionally with engineering, production, purchasing, quality, suppliers, and customers. The Packaging Engineer will own the design, validation, implementation, documentation, and continuous improvement of packaging solutions for both Work-In-Process (WIP) and Finished Goods, ensuring products are protected throughout manufacturing, storage, and transportation while meeting customer requirements, quality standards, and cost targets. Success in this role requires someone who enjoys building solutions from the ground up, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and taking ownership of results.

Lead Packaging Development

• Own the complete packaging lifecycle from concept through implementation.
• Design packaging solutions for stamped, laser-cut, formed, welded, coated, and fabricated metal components.
• Define the best packaging strategy based on product characteristics, manufacturing flow, transportation requirements, customer expectations, and cost.
• Develop prototypes, build packaging samples, and validate solutions before production release.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve packaging performance, reduce costs, and eliminate waste.

Drive Technical Solutions

• Analyze packaging challenges and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Perform packaging validation including drop, vibration, compression, stack, and transportation testing.
• Modify packaging designs based on testing results, production feedback, or customer requirements.
• Support Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) affecting packaging.

Lead Cross-Functional Projects

• Partner with Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, Tooling, and Suppliers throughout program launches.
• Coordinate packaging activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
• Communicate project status, risks, and timelines effectively.
• Manage multiple projects while maintaining ownership of deliverables.

Packaging Procurement & Inventory

• Define packaging specifications and source packaging materials.
• Establish MOQ, MPQ, reorder points, and inventory strategies.
• Monitor packaging inventory to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve quality, cost, and lead times.

Documentation & Standards

• Create and maintain packaging drawings using CAD.
• Develop and update Work Instructions (WIs), SOPs, BOMs, packaging specifications, and revision histories.
• Ensure packaging documentation remains current and compliant with company quality standards.
• Train production personnel on new packaging methods and procedures when required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience designing packaging solutions in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
• Knowledge of packaging materials including corrugated, foam, dunnage, returnable containers, steel racks, and custom packaging.
• Experience managing multiple engineering projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in metal fabrication or automotive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of ISTA, ASTM, or AIAG packaging standards.
• Experience with returnable packaging systems.
• Experience supporting APQP and PPAP launches.
• Experience working directly with customers and suppliers.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

We're looking for someone who:

• Takes ownership instead of waiting for direction.
• Can identify packaging issues and develop effective solutions.
• Is comfortable making engineering decisions.
• Thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Can balance technical detail with project execution.
• Builds strong relationships across departments.
• Thinks proactively and continuously looks for improvements.

Physical Requirements

• Regular presence on the manufacturing floor.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs when building or evaluating packaging prototypes.
• Comfortable working around manufacturing equipment and varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to manage changing priorities while meeting deadlines.