Packaging Engineer

IFABCORP; Gastonia (NC); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

IFABCORP in Gastonia, North Carolina is seeking a Packaging Engineer to oversee the development of packaging solutions for fabricated metal components. This role involves managing packaging from production to delivery, ensuring compliance with quality standards.

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience in packaging design. Proficiency in CAD software and strong project management skills are essential. Join us to contribute towards innovative packaging solutions in various industries.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in packaging design/engineering, preferably in manufacturing.
• Solid understanding of industrial packaging materials.
• Experience writing technical work instructions or SOPs.

Responsibilities

• Create functional packaging designs in CAD for metal parts.
• Conduct packaging tests and document results.
• Establish MOQ/MPQ to prevent floor shortages.
• Author and maintain packaging work instructions and SOPs.
• Support program launches from concept to production.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to optimize materials.

Skills

CAD software proficiency

Project management skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

Job description

Position Summary

IFAB Corp. is seeking a hands‑on, detail‑oriented Packaging Engineer to join our Engineering team. In this role, you will own the end‑to‑end development of packaging solutions for fabricated metal components across diverse industries, including Class 6–8 trucking, agriculture, data centers, and telecommunications.

You will manage packaging for both Work‑In‑Process (WIP) and Finished Goods—ensuring parts are protected from the production floor to final delivery—while developing and maintaining clear technical work instructions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Prototyping: Create functional packaging designs in CAD for stamped, laser‑cut, welded, and coated metal parts. Build physical prototypes for internal validation and customer approval.
• Testing & Validation: Conduct packaging tests (vibration, drop, compression, stack testing), document results, and iterate designs based on feedback or floor constraints.
• Supply Chain & Inventory: Establish MOQ/MPQ and define reorder points based on production schedules, lead times to prevent floor shortages.
• Documentation & Compliance: Author and maintain packaging work instructions (WIs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and BOMs in compliance with IFAB quality standards.
• Project & Customer Management: Support program launches from concept to production, manage customer portals for packaging approvals, and hit key milestones under high-level timelines.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with Quality, Production, and Procurement to optimize packaging materials, reduce costs, and train floor personnel on new procedures.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent hands‑on experience.
• Experience: Proven experience in packaging design/engineering, preferably within a manufacturing or metal fabrication environment.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent) for packaging design.
• Materials Knowledge: Solid understanding of industrial packaging materials (corrugated, foam, dunnage, steel racks, returnable containers).
• Documentation: Experience writing or maintaining technical work instructions or SOPs.
• Soft Skills: Strong project management and communication skills; ability to interface professionally with customers and cross‑functional teams.

Preferred (Pluses)

• Experience with customers in Class 6–8 trucking, agricultural, data center, or telecom industries.
• Knowledge of packaging test standards (ISTA, ASTM, AIAG).
• Experience with returnable packaging and container management programs.
• Familiarity with APQP or PPAP launch processes.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office‑based with regular time spent on the manufacturing floor collaborating with fabrication and finishing teams.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs when building or evaluating packaging samples.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment with shifting priorities.

Core Competencies

• Attention to Detail & Problem Solving
• Customer Focus & Team Collaboration
• Multi‑Project Management & Deadline Accountability