Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer

Grade: 11

Reports to: Director, Operations Department: Customer Service

Classification: Salaried Exempt Division: Operations

Date: 10/8/2026 Approved: Director, Operations

JOB SUMMARY

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for developing, implementing, and maintaining packaging systems that ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective movement of automotive fasteners throughout the manufacturing process and to customers. This position manages customer-supplied packaging assets (including STA totes and returnable containers), develops and maintains customer packaging specifications, and oversees the lifecycle of internal production bins used throughout manufacturing. The Packaging Engineer works closely with Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, Purchasing, and customers to ensure compliance with customer requirements while minimizing packaging costs and improving operational efficiency.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Customer Packaging Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain customer-specific packaging specifications, working within customer portals and customer/internal databse systems.
• Interpret and implement customer packaging standards and engineering requirements.
• Manage all customer-supplied returnable packaging assets, including STA totes, racks, trays, pallets, dunnage, and specialty containers.
• Coordinate procurement, tracking, repair, cleaning, and replacement of customer-owned packaging.
• Monitor inventory levels of customer returnable containers to prevent production interruptions.
• Coordinate packaging changes resulting from engineering changes or customer requests.
• Participate in customer packaging audits and support customer visits.

Packaging Design & Standardization

• Design and improve packaging solutions for automotive fasteners that maximize protection while minimizing cost.

• Establish specifications for:
  • Packaging materials
  • Carton and tote sizes
  • Bagging requirements
  • Taping methods
  • Label placement
  • Protective materials
  • Dunnage
  • Pallet configurations
  • Stretch wrapping
  • Weight limits

• Develop standard work instructions for packaging operations.
• Validate new packaging designs through production trials and transportation testing.

Production Bin Management

• Manage the inventory, condition, and utilization of all internal metal production bins used throughout manufacturing.
• Establish standards for metal bin application by process.
• Coordinate repairs, maintenance, replacement, and procurement of production bins.
• Optimize bin availability to support uninterrupted production.
• Develop systems for tracking production bins throughout the facility.
• Standardize bin identification and labeling.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to reduce packaging costs through standardization and waste elimination.
• Troubleshoot problems and benchmark solutions.
• Monitor customer chargebacks, research the root cause, and suport any disputes.
• Lead packaging improvement projects utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Reduce packaging damage, scrap, and transportation-related quality concerns.
• Improve packaging ergonomics and operator safety.
• Support automation initiatives involving packaging and material handling.

Cross-Functional Support

• Work with Sales/Engineering during new product launches to develop production and customer packaging.
• Collaborate with Purchasing to source packaging materials and negotiate supplier costs.
• Support Logistics in optimizing freight utilization and container efficiency.
• Assist Quality with containment activities involving packaging concerns.
• Coordinate with Manufacturing to ensure packaging specifications are followed consistently.
• Train others on packaging requirements, solutions, and changes.

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain packaging specifications, drawings, photographs, and work instructions.
• Ensure compliance with customer packaging manuals and automotive industry requirements.
• Maintain records of packaging validation and change history.
• Support IATF 16949, ISO 14001, MMOG, and customer-specific audits.
• Develop and maintain packaging-related KPIs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing experience may be considered.

Experience

• 3–5 years of packaging engineering or packaging management experience in automotive manufacturing preferred.
• Experience with returnable packaging systems.
• Experience working with Tier 1 automotive customer packaging specifications.
• Experience with metal containers, bulk handling systems, or material flow preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of automotive packaging standards and customer requirements.
• Knowledge of returnable container management.
• Familiarity with AIAG packaging guidelines and customer-specific packaging manuals.
• Experience with ERP and inventory management systems.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).
• CAD experience (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) preferred.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and customer specifications.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to train others.

ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES

• Noise – heavy machinery if in plant.
• Noise – vibratory bowls and air feed systems – if in plant.
• Chemicals, oils, acids, sprays, coolants and solvents.
• Responsible for complying with regulations and standards covered under MISOSHA.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support and comply with the organization’s Environmental Management System (EMS) in accordance with ISO 14001 standards.
• Perform job duties in a manner that minimizes environmental impact, including responsible use of energy, chemicals, and materials.
• Follow all environmental procedures, work instructions, and regulatory requirements applicable to the role.
• Participate in environmental training and continuous improvement initiatives that enhance environmental performance.
• Adheres to procedures for proper handling, storage, and disposal of scrap, chemicals, and regulated materials.
• Support spill prevention, containment, and response practices.
• Promptly report environmental risks, spills, nonconformances, or improvement opportunities to leadership.

Employees are responsible for understanding the environmental and safety policies related to their job functions and performing work in a manner consistent with the company’s environmental and safety policies.

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