Packaging Engineer

Job Title: Packaging Engineer - Vehicle Programs
Job Description
The Packaging Engineer for Vehicle Programs develops, validates, and implements specialized containers used to ship components and sub-assemblies into assembly plants. This role translates inputs from multiple stakeholders and supply chain partners into robust packaging solutions that protect part quality, optimize container density, and leverage logistics equipment to minimize overall enterprise costs. The position combines manufacturing and assembly process knowledge with strong project management capabilities and a focus on identifying and eliminating waste in logistics, manufacturing, and material handling processes.
Responsibilities

• Develop robust packaging solutions that support stakeholders across the supply base, logistics, and manufacturing while protecting part quality and optimizing container density.
• Design and manage multiple container concepts and commodities to meet program milestones and delivery timelines for current and future vehicle programs.
• Create and implement validation protocols, including loading, transportation, and unloading procedures, to ensure containers perform reliably under real-world conditions.
• Ensure high first-time quality for packaging designs, minimizing rework and driving continuous improvement in container performance and cost efficiency.
• Prioritize and manage workload across multiple programs and studies simultaneously, working independently to meet goals, key performance indicators, and deadlines.
• Serve as the technical expert for packaging at the commodity level, supporting future strategies from container and logistics perspectives.
• Lead cross-functional discussions and ask targeted questions to identify critical constraints that containers must address while maintaining tight cost control.
• Collaborate effectively with logistics, manufacturing, engineering, and supply chain teams using strong communication and computer skills.
• Apply knowledge of 3D modeling and CAD tools, such as UG-NX and TeamCenter, to develop and refine packaging designs and documentation.
• Use manufacturing and material handling process knowledge to ensure packaging solutions integrate seamlessly into plant operations and lineside staging.
• Identify and help eliminate waste in logistics, manufacturing, and material handling processes through lean thinking and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop cost/benefit analyses and business cases to support packaging decisions and justify investments in new container solutions.
• Utilize problem-solving methodologies, including Red X and other root cause analysis techniques, to resolve packaging and container-related issues.
• Support automotive launch activities by ensuring packaging and containerization are ready for new program start-ups and ramp-ups.
• Maintain alignment with quality systems and lean manufacturing strategies when designing and validating packaging solutions.
• Participate in team learning and development opportunities, including training on packaging, containerization, and automotive manufacturing processes.
• Travel as needed, primarily within Southeast Michigan and occasionally to plants across North America, to support program launches and on-site validation.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree, preferably in Industrial Engineering or Mechanical Engineering.
• More than 2 years of work experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Education or experience related to packaging design using 3D modeling and design software, covering multiple manufacturing processes and materials.
• Working knowledge of material handling and manufacturing processes in an automotive or similar production environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• High level of analytical ability to solve unusual and difficult problems related to packaging and logistics.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively with engineers, plant personnel, and supply chain partners.
• Proficiency with personal computer applications and general office software.
• Hands-on problem-solving ability with a practical approach to testing and validation.
• Self-motivation and strong initiative, with the ability to drive tasks and projects to completion.
• Solid project management and organizational skills to manage multiple container designs and programs concurrently.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience in automotive manufacturing, containerization, and packaging engineering.
• Experience or exposure to automotive launch activities and program management.
• Cost and financial awareness, including experience staying within budgets.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Packaging, Industrial Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering.
• Education in Packaging, Industrial Engineering, or acceptance of Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) with relevant packaging experience.
• Understanding of lean manufacturing strategies and quality systems.
• Good business acumen with strong organizational and strategic agility.
• Experience developing cost/benefit data analyses and business cases for packaging solutions.
• Red X or equivalent problem-solving proficiency.
• Knowledge of vibration data acquisition and testing related to packaging validation.
• Experience with Unigraphics NX, TeamCenter (TcAE), and Autoweb, including practical application to packaging design.
• Familiarity with ISTA and ASTM validation and testing protocols for packaging.
• Program management experience in automotive manufacturing or related industries.
• Experience with fabrication processes and returnable container design and implementation.
• Experience in logistics, packaging design, and containerization within the automotive industry.
• Industrial Engineering experience with exposure to packaging, supply chain activities, and lineside staging.
• Interest in professional growth as an automotive industry professional and willingness to learn new program management skills.
• Openness to training in packaging and containerization where needed.

Job Type & Location
This is a Contract position based out of Warren, MI.
Pay and Benefits
The pay range for this position is $44.00 - $49.00/hr.
Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
Workplace Type
This is a hybrid position in Warren,MI.
Application Deadline
This position is anticipated to close on Oct 7, 2026.
About Actalent


Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.


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