Packaging Engineer

Jobtailor; Troy (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking an experienced Packaging Engineer to design and optimize packaging for automotive components. The role focuses on protecting parts during transit, minimizing material handling, and ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards.

The ideal candidate will lead cross-functional teams, manage multiple projects to timelines, and collaborate with suppliers to develop returnable and expendable packaging solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum experience of 3–5 years in packaging engineering, preferably automotive Tier 1.
• Experience in purchasing, manufacturing engineering, supply chain, or warehousing is a plus.
• Knowledge of corrugate, plastics, foams, molded pulp, steel, and aluminum packaging materials.
• Familiarity with CAD tools and 3D modeling; CAD software experience.
• Understanding of ASTM and ISTA industry standards and testing/validation.

Responsibilities

• Ensure packaging protects automotive components during transit from suppliers to IAC plant and customers.
• Establish and execute packaging concepts; develop and specify packaging.
• Lead supplier and plant design of returnable and expendable packaging solutions.
• Consider product protection, material flow, logistics, and ergonomic handling in designs.
• Develop and approve package testing plans and interpret results.
• Partner with external packaging suppliers to meet design specs and quality standards.
• Lead selection and management of packaging vendors.
• Analyze packaging processes for cost reduction and efficiency.
• Coordinate efforts to minimize material handling and optimize warehouse layouts.
• Ensure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and other standards.

Skills

Packaging Design

Process Improvement

Material Flow Optimization

Packaging Testing Methodologies

Cost Reduction Analysis

Returnable Packaging Solutions

Expendable Packaging Solutions

Logistics Management

Quality Standards Compliance

Packaging Materials Knowledge

Communication Skills

Negotiation Skills

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

AutoCAD

CATIA

Job description

• Ensure automotive components are protected during transit from suppliers to the IAC plant, within the plant, and to customers
• Establish and execute effective packaging concepts
• Develop and specify new and revised packaging
• Develop and implement process improvements
• Lead supplier and plant design and development of returnable and expendable packaging solutions
• Consider product protection, material flow, logistics, and ergonomic handling in packaging designs
• Develop and approve package testing plans and interpret results
• Partner with external packaging suppliers to meet design specifications and quality standards
• Lead selection and management of packaging vendors
• Analyze packaging processes and designs for cost reduction and efficiency improvements
• Evaluate expendable versus returnable container costs
• Coordinate efforts to minimize material handling and optimize warehouse layouts
• Ensure packaging designs and processes comply with IATF 16949, ISO 9001, and other relevant standards and regulations
• Develop and maintain Logistics Management Information and Special Packaging Instructions as required
• Address supplier compliance issues and assist with quality investigations
• Manage multiple projects to timelines and budgets
• Lead cross-functional project teams and provide technical guidance

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field
• 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
• Strong knowledge of corrugate, plastics, foams, molded pulp, steel, and aluminum packaging materials
• Strong project management and organization skills
• Proficient in cost benefit analysis and continuous improvement
• Familiarity with CAD software and 3D modeling, such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and CATIA
• Familiarity with ASTM and ISTA industry standards
• 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 results

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in packaging engineering with a focus on automotive components, ensuring compliance with IATF 16949 and ISO 9001 standards. Proficient in developing packaging solutions that optimize material flow, logistics, and ergonomic handling while managing projects effectively.

Highest‑signal resume keywords

• Packaging Engineering
• Project Management
• Cost Benefit Analysis
• CAD Software Proficiency
• Knowledge of OEM Automotive Manufacturing

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Packaging Design
• Process Improvement
• Material Flow Optimization
• Packaging Testing Methodologies
• Cost Reduction Analysis
• Returnable Packaging Solutions
• Expendable Packaging Solutions
• Logistics Management
• Quality Standards Compliance
• Packaging Materials Knowledge

Soft Skills

• Communication Skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Negotiation Skills
• Problem‑Solving Abilities
• Detail‑Oriented

Industry Keywords

• IATF 16949
• ISO 9001
• Automotive Industry
• Tier 1 Supplier
• ASTM Standards
• ISTA Standards

Tools & Technologies

• SolidWorks
• AutoCAD
• CATIA