Packaging Engineer

Ghafari Associates; Michigan; On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ghafari Associates is seeking a Packaging Engineer to oversee packaging from prototype design through RFQ, supplier selection, procurement, validation, and production readiness. The role requires on-site work at a client location in Troy, Michigan, with a focus on protecting parts, reducing costs, and ensuring ergonomic packaging aligned with program timing.

Candidates should have 3+ years in packaging engineering or related fields, with automotive/high-volume manufacturing experience and 2+

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging/Engineering or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3+ years in packaging engineering, logistics, or manufacturing engineering (auto/high-volume preferred).
• 2+ years as expendable packaging estimator or expendable packaging buyer required.
• Hands-on experience developing/validating shipping packaging for automotive/high-volume programs.
• Experience with returnable and expendable packaging solutions (racks, containers, dunnage).
• Experience with automotive launch timing, prototype builds, production validation, SOP readiness.

Responsibilities

• Lead shipping packaging development from prototype through procurement and production readiness.
• Review part characteristics, handling requirements, supplier locations, transportation modes, and quality requirements to define packaging solutions.
• Support Purchasing by reviewing packaging costs and ensuring alignment with market trends.
• Drive cost and density improvements for expendable packaging.
• Coordinate prototype packaging builds, design reviews, and validation testing to confirm protection and usability.
• Support RFQ packages, quote reviews, supplier selection, PO timing, and production packaging release.
• Collaborate with Packaging suppliers, fabricators, part suppliers, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Engineering to resolve design/timing/cost/quality issues.
• Ensure packaging supports safe handling, labeling, damage prevention, storage efficiency, and point-of-use delivery.
• Track risks, open issues, supplier deliverables, and production packaging timing.

Skills

Packaging design

CAD & 3D drawings

Cost reduction strategies

Project management

Cross-functional collaboration

Packaging validation

RFQ coordination

Education

Packaging/Engineering degree

Automotive/high-volume manufacturing experience

Exp. as expendable packaging estimator/buyer

Tools

CAD software

STEP files

Job description

General Summary

This role will oversee packaging from prototype design through RFQ, supplier selection, procurement, validation, and production readiness, ensuring parts are protected, cost-effective, ergonomic, and delivered in alignment with program timing. This position will also be expected to work on-site at a client location in Troy, Michigan.

Job Description

This role will oversee packaging from prototype design through RFQ, supplier selection, procurement, validation, and production readiness, ensuring parts are protected, cost-effective, ergonomic, and delivered in alignment with program timing. This position will also be expected to work on-site at a client location in Troy, Michigan.

Essential Job Functions

• Lead shipping packaging development from prototype concept through procurement and production readiness.
• Review part characteristics, handling requirements, supplier locations, transportation modes, point-of-use needs, and quality requirements to define appropriate packaging solutions.
• Support the Purchasing team by reviewing expendable packaging forms and supplier-submitted packaging costs to ensure pricing is aligned with market trends.
• Drive cost and density improvements for expendable packaging.
• Coordinate prototype packaging builds, design reviews, stakeholder approvals, fit checks, and validation testing to confirm part protection and usability.
• Support RFQ packages, quote reviews, supplier selection, purchase order timing, and production packaging release with Purchasing and Supply Chain.
• Work with packaging suppliers, fabricators, part suppliers, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Engineering to resolve design, timing, cost, and quality issues.
• Ensure packaging supports safe handling, ergonomic requirements, labeling standards, damage prevention, storage efficiency, and point-of-use delivery.
• Track risks, open issues, supplier deliverables, prototype completion, validation results, purchase order status, and production packaging delivery timing.

Employment Qualifications

Education / Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 3+ years of experience in packaging engineering, logistics, or manufacturing engineering, preferably in automotive or high-volume manufacturing.
• 2+ years of experience as expendable packaging estimator or expendable packaging buyer is required.
• Hands on experience developing, validating, and launching shipping packaging solutions for automotive or high-volume manufacturing programs.
• Experience developing returnable and expendable packaging solutions, including racks, custom dunnage, standard containers, bulk containers, and supplier-provided packaging.
• Experience with automotive launch timing, prototype builds, production validation, and SOP readiness.
• Experience identifying cost reduction opportunities through right-sizing, standard containers, improved pack density, reusable packaging, and supplier ownership strategies.

Skills/Competencies

• Familiarity with packaging specification forms, packaging guidelines, PFEP data, fleet sizing, density studies, and containerization strategies.
• Working knowledge of CAD drawings, STEP files, packaging prints, and supplier design reviews.
• Understanding of ergonomic, quality, transportation, labeling, and damage prevention requirements for inbound shipping packaging.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Able to work effectively with Purchasing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, suppliers, and packaging fabricators.
• Knowledge of packaging validation methods, including prototype reviews, fit checks, shaker testing, over-the-road testing, and first article approvals.
• Ability to support RFQs, quote reviews, supplier selection, purchase order planning, and production packaging release.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Ability to stand, walk, and perform shop-floor reviews, supplier reviews, and packaging inspections for extended periods.
• Ability to work in manufacturing, warehouse, prototype, and supplier environments as needed.

About Us

At Ghafari Associates, we don’t just design buildings—we help shape the future of the industries we serve. As a global leader in architecture, engineering, and consulting, we partner with clients to deliver forward-thinking solutions that transform how people work, manufacture, and connect.

Our strength lies in our people. We bring together curious minds, technical experts, and creative problem-solvers who thrive on collaboration and innovation. Whether supporting major industrial programs or advancing federal and commercial projects, our teams are empowered to make a meaningful impact—both for our clients and within our communities.

We are committed to investing in our employees’ financial, physical, and emotional well-being, as well as their professional growth. Through robust training, licensure support, internships, mentorships, and tuition reimbursement, we provide the resources our people need to build rewarding careers while making a lasting difference in the communities we are proud to call home.

Ghafari Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. As a federal contractor, Ghafari Associates maintains affirmative action programs for individuals with disabilities and protected veterans in accordance with applicable laws.

Pay Transparency

Ghafari Associates will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.

Accommodation

If there are any questions about the accommodations offered above, please contact 313.441.3000 for assistance.