Lead Packaging Engineer: End-to-End Packaging Solutions

IFABCORP; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IFAB Corp. in Gastonia, NC, is seeking a Packaging Engineer to own the packaging development process for Work-In-Process (WIP) and Finished Goods, ensuring products are protected during manufacturing, storage, and transportation.

You will lead cross-functional teams, drive cost reductions, validate designs through testing, and implement robust documentation and standards while collaborating with engineering, production, purchasing, quality, and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related engineering field.
• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills

CAD skills

Packaging design

Project management

Problem solving

Communication

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering/Mechanical/Industrial Engineering or related

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

IFAB Corp. in Gastonia, NC, is seeking a Packaging Engineer to own the packaging development process for Work-In-Process (WIP) and Finished Goods, ensuring products are protected during manufacturing, storage, and transportation.

You will lead cross-functional teams, drive cost reductions, validate designs through testing, and implement robust documentation and standards while collaborating with engineering, production, purchasing, quality, and suppliers.