Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for developing, testing, and implementing packaging solutions for inbound raw materials, production work in-progress, new product innovation and finished packs for shipment to customer domestic US and international. This role works closely with engineering, operations, quality, and supply chain teams to ensure packaging supports safe handling, regulatory compliance, efficient material flow, and cost-effective production. The Packaging Engineer drives continuous improvement, resolves packaging-related issues, and supports new product launches by creating robust, scalable packaging systems tailored to the unique requirements of high-voltage energy storage products.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop protective packaging for lithium-ion battery modules and packs, ensuring durability, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Conduct packaging validation testing, including vibration, drop, compression, and thermal testing.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) team to support production and safety requirements.
• Create and maintain packaging specifications, drawings, and documentation for internal and external use.
• Develop returnable and expendable packaging solutions for inbound materials and outbound shipments.
• Optimize packaging for efficient line-side presentation, ergonomics, and space utilization.
• Ensure all packaging meets Department of Transportation (DOT), UN 38.3 (confirms with safety test requirements for shipping lithium-metal and lithium-ion batteries by air, sea or road), International Air Transportation Association (IATA), and other hazardous-material shipping regulations.
• Ensure all packaging meets Hazmat requirements for domestic US and international shipping.
• Work with suppliers in combination with Purchasing and New Product Innovation as appropriate to source materials, evaluate prototypes, optimize packout packaging count and standard pack size and weight and approve final packaging designs.
• Support new product launches by developing packaging from prototype through mass production.
• Lead continuous improvement projects focused on cost reduction, damage prevention, and sustainability.
• Investigate packaging-related issues in production or logistics and drive corrective actions.
• Maintain packaging bills of materials and ensure alignment with changing product and process requirements.
• Adhere to federal and state regulations.
• Adhere to all company policies, processes, and procedures.
• Performs other duties as requested, directed, or assigned.
• Predictable and reliable attendance.

Position Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related engineering degree.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience with Hazmat product packaging, handling, and shipment.
• Lithium ion packaging and handling experience preferred.
• Familiarity with regulations, import/export, and trade compliance.
• Strong proficiency in Engineering Resource Planning (ERP) systems; PLEX experience preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft office suite products.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and the ability to work under pressure.
• Strong written communication skills demonstrated through the preparation of reports and presentations for communicating findings and recommendations.

Key Competencies:

• Focuses on Quality: Drives work results with a quality focus on actions and results.
• Decision Making & Analysis: Makes sound decisions based upon a mixture of data-driven analysis, expertise, experience, and judgment; collects relevant information, seeking input from others, and identifies connections and/or root causes of problems
• Continual Improvement: Displays a consistent orientation toward producing the highest quality products or services, while keeping a focus on sustainability. Constantly looking for incremental improvements in work processes and results.
• Takes Initiative: Exhibits strong drive for results and success; conveys a sense of urgency and drives issues to closure; persists despite obstacles and opposition.
• Working Safely: Demonstrates safe behaviors. Aware of potential risks and threats in the workplace.
• Delivers Results: Achievement-oriented, feeling a sense of urgency to reach goals on time, if not before.
• Teamwork: Works cooperatively with others to accomplish team goals and organizational objectives.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Works in a temperature-controlled office environment with occasional work in industrial environments not temperature controlled.
• Occasionally move about in industrial environments, and on uneven terrain.
• The noise level in the industrial work environment can be moderately loud.
• May be required to travel to and navigate a variety of sites to fully understand material needs.
• Must be able to bend, lift, stretch, stoop, push, pull, stand, and carry as needed to inspect, service, and operate machinery, equipment, and gauges.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at a time.
• The ability to respond quickly to sounds.
• Strong situational awareness.

Why Join Us

American Battery Solutions (ABS) provides comprehensive 100% employer paid benefit plans to employees and their family, competitive salary and retirement program. ABS employs a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Benefits Overview:

• Paid time off includes 4 weeks, 15 holidays, and parental leave.
• 100% company-paid medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) offerings.
• Company provided 401K savings plan with immediately vested matching contributions to help you save for retirement.
• Voluntary benefits offerings.
• Tuition assistance.
• Employee Referral Program.
• Employee development and career growth opportunities.

About Us

American Battery Solutions Inc. ("ABS") is a manufacturer of advanced batteries for commercial, fleet, and industrial on- and off-road vehicles. Located in the heart of the U.S. automotive region with facilities in Michigan and Ohio. In 2023, ABS was acquired by Komatsu, a world leader in construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment in support of Komatsu's 2050 carbon neutrality goal. ABS continues to operate as an independent entity serving Komatsu applications while continuing to expand and grow our core commercial, fleet and industrial business.

As we have grown, ABS has assembled a world-class team of dedicated and experienced engineers. This team is equipped with a deep understanding of high-voltage, automotive-grade battery systems from concept development and prototyping, to testing and validation, to high-volume production. We pride ourselves on developing a diverse team of next generation battery experts.

The Location – Springboro, OH

American Battery Solutions Advanced Battery Manufacturing Center is located in beautiful and historic Springboro Ohio. Life in Springboro is all about the quality and character of our community and that is why Springboro continues to be a top-ten-rated City to live, work, play, and raise a family. In fact, Springboro was rated #3 among the top 10 communities in greater Southwest Ohio. In essence, Springboro appeals to everyone from young families to people looking for the perfect place to retire. Our great neighborhoods, excellent schools, safety, services, and amenities all contribute to Springboro's exceptional quality of life. Springboro offers a variety of public programming that includes outdoor concerts, festivals, and fireworks. Our residents enjoy bike and walking trails, an 18-hole public golf course, a charming and vibrant historic district, and 501 acres of parks.

American Battery Solutions is an equal opportunity employer.