Packaging Engineer

IAC Group; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

IAC Group is seeking a Packaging Engineer to design, develop, and validate protective packaging for automotive components across RAW, WIP, and FG stages. You will collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing teams, and customers to balance cost, sustainability, and safe delivery while leading multiple packaging projects.

The role requires knowledge of packaging materials, testing, and industry standards (IATF 16949, ISO 9001).

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering or related field required.
• Master's degree may be preferred but not required.
• Experience in automotive packaging engineering is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute packaging concepts with optimal effectiveness.
• Develops and specifies new and revised packaging.
• Develops and implements process improvements.
• Lead packaging supplier collaboration and management.
• Develop package testing plans and interpret results.
• Cost optimization and efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001).
• Project management and leadership across cross-functional teams.

Skills

Packaging materials knowledge

Project management

Cost optimization

Communication skills

Negotiation

Team leadership

Problem solving

Quality focus

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

3D Modeling

Job description

General Description

• Ensures automotive components are protected during transit from the supplier to our IAC plant (RAW), Within the plant (WIP) and to the customer (FG). This role involves working with suppliers and plant personnel to design, develop, and test packaging solutions that balance cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and the safe delivery of automotive parts. It's a cross-functional position requiring strong collaboration with internal teams, suppliers, and customers.

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute packaging concepts with optimal effectiveness.
• Develops and specifies new and revised packaging.
• Develops and implements process improvements.
• Requires advanced knowledge of industry regulatory requirements for packaging components and their related testing and documentation.
• Packaging Design & Development:
  • Leads supplier and plant design and development of innovative and functional packaging solutions (returnable and expendable) that meet specific requirements for automotive components.
  • Considers factors such as product protection, material flow, logistics, and ergonomic handling within the automotive manufacturing environment.
  • Develops and approves package testing plans and interprets results.
  • Supplier Collaboration & Management:
    • Partners with external packaging suppliers to ensure packaging solutions meet design specifications and quality standards.
    • Leads in selecting and managing packaging vendors.
• Cost Optimization & Efficiency:
  • Analyzes current packaging processes and designs to identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvement.
  • Evaluates expendable vs. returnable container costs to improve quality and reduce costs.
  • Coordinates efforts to minimize material handling and optimize warehouse layouts.
• Compliance & Quality:
  • Ensures packaging designs and processes adhere to relevant industry standards and regulations (e.g., IATF 16949, ISO 9001).
  • May develop and maintain Logistics Management Information (LMI) and Special Packaging Instructions (SPI) in accordance with customer and regulatory requirements.
  • Addresses supplier compliance issues and assists with quality-related investigations.
• Project Management & Leadership:
  • Manages multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets.
  • Leads cross-functional project teams, providing technical guidance and expertise.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field. A Master's degree may be preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in packaging engineering, preferably in the automotive industry as a Tier 1 supplier. Experience in purchasing, manufacturing engineering, supply chain, or warehousing operations is a plus.

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of various packaging materials (e.g., corrugate, plastics, foams, molded pulp, steel, aluminum).
• Strong project management and organization skills
• Proficient in cost benefit analysis and continuous improvement
• Familiarity with CAD software and 3d Modeling (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA).
• Familiarity with industry standards such as ASTM and ISTA.
• Understanding of packaging testing and validation methodologies.
• Knowledge of OEM automotive manufacturing processes and Packaging processes.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and lead projects independently.
• Detail-oriented with a focus on delivering high-quality result