Packaging Engineer

OPmobility; Kansas City (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

OPmobility is seeking a Packaging Engineer to design optimized packaging systems and oversee logistics flows from suppliers to customers. The role requires integrating packaging with manufacturing, procurement, and distribution to support automotive programs.

The ideal candidate combines packaging engineering expertise with knowledge of supply chain operations, Lean principles, and continuous improvement. Travel to suppliers and plants will be required as part of program launches and validation

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Master's degree is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define the optimal supply chain and packaging strategy to minimize costs and inventory while ensuring safety and quality.
• Develop packaging and logistics concepts aligned with operational and customer requirements.
• Calculate project budgets, including piece costs, logistics costs, and capital investments.
• Coordinate packaging development, testing, validation, and implementation activities.
• Monitor milestones and ensure packaging and logistics objectives are achieved on time and within budget.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/related field

Master's Degree preferred

Tools

3D modeling software

Engineering software tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

We are seeking a Packaging Engineer to support the development and implementation of innovative packaging and supply chain solutions for automotive programs. This role will be responsible for designing optimized packaging systems, defining logistics flows, supporting program launches, and ensuring efficient material movement from suppliers through manufacturing and ultimately to customers.

The ideal candidate combines packaging engineering expertise with a strong understanding of supply chain operations, manufacturing processes, and continuous improvement principles.

Key Responsibilities

Advanced Project & Quotation Phase (AVP)

• Define the optimal supply chain and packaging strategy to ensure safety, quality, and customer satisfaction while minimizing costs and inventory levels.
• Develop packaging and logistics concepts aligned with operational and customer requirements.
• Calculate project supply chain and packaging budgets, including piece costs, logistics costs, and capital investments.
• Ensure quotations leverage standard equipment, processes, and best practices whenever possible.
• Identify potential industrial, logistical, or packaging-related risks and elevate concerns proactively.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support feasibility studies and project planning activities.

Project Development & Launch Phase

• Design and implement end-to-end supply chain flows from suppliers to production facilities and customers, including:
• Internal material flow
• Packaging solutions
• Outbound transportation
• Information flow management
• Partner closely with manufacturing project managers, assembly engineers, plant teams, and logistics organizations throughout program development.
• Define optimal inventory and stock levels across the supply chain while driving lead‑time reduction initiatives.
• Develop packaging specifications for both semi‑finished and finished products based on:
• Customer requirements
• Manufacturing constraints
• Production process needs
• Logistics and transportation requirements
• Coordinate packaging development, testing, validation, and implementation activities.
• Ensure packaging equipment and materials are available to support prototype builds, validation trials, production launches, and customer approvals.
• Monitor project milestones and ensure packaging and logistics objectives are achieved on time and within budget.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives focused on quality, cost reduction, operational efficiency, and sustainability.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field required.
• Master's Degree preferred.

Experience

• Experience in Packaging Engineering, Logistics Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related role within a manufacturing environment.
• Automotive industry experience strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of packaging design, material flow optimization, and supply chain operations.
• Experience supporting new product launches and program industrialization is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of supply chain management principles and logistics processes.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals.
• Ability to review and work with 3D models and visualization software.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering-related software tools.
• Experience with packaging validation, material handling systems, and transportation requirements preferred.

Soft Skills

• Strong commitment to safety and operational excellence.
• Customer-focused mindset with the ability to balance customer requirements and business objectives.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills in cross‑functional and multicultural environments.
• Self‑motivated, organized, and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Innovative thinker with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical abilities.

Language & Travel

• Additional languages are a plus.
• Ability and willingness to travel extensively to suppliers, manufacturing plants, and customer locations.