Packaging Engineer

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.; Vonore (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. in Vonore, TN is seeking a Packaging Engineer to design, develop, and validate returnable and expendable packaging for automotive components, partnering with Program Management, Manufacturing, Logistics, and customers to protect product integrity and optimize transport.

The role requires hands-on CAD work (CATIA/SolidWorks), development of validation plans, supplier management, and close collaboration with OEMs to meet stringent packaging standards throughout the

Responsibilities

• Design and develop returnable and expendable packaging for complex automotive assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components using CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Conduct packaging feasibility studies at program launch; define dunnage concepts and container specifications to protect parts from point of manufacture to point of use.
• Create and maintain packaging drawings, BOM, and technical specifications in accordance with customer and internal standards.
• Evaluate foam, thermoform, corrugated and metal rack options to optimize part protection, stackability, and cube utilization.
• Develop and execute packaging validation plans including drop, vibration, and transportation simulation testing (ISTA, ASTM, or customer-defined protocols).
• Analyze failure modes and implement corrective actions to resolve recurring packaging damage issues at customers or during transit.
• Support First Article and PPAP/APQP packaging deliverables; document results and obtain customer sign-off per program timing.
• Interface directly with OEM customers (e.g., Daimler, PACCAR, Volvo, Navistar, Ford, GM) to interpret and implement packaging specifications and standards.
• Manage packaging suppliers — issue RFQs, review quotes, select suppliers, and oversee prototype build and production tool releases.
• Participate in customer packaging reviews, launch readiness audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Optimize packaging designs to maximize truck and container cube utilization, minimize freight cost, and reduce material waste.
• Track and manage packaging inventory; coordinate returnable container pools with customers and third-party logistics providers.
• Develop cost estimates for packaging programs; identify and implement cost reduction opportunities without compromising protection requirements.

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and validating returnable and expendable packaging systems for commercial and heavy-duty automotive components — including seating systems. This role partners closely with Program Management, Manufacturing, Logistics, and customers to deliver packaging solutions that protect product integrity, optimize transportation efficiency, and meet customer-specific requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Design & Development

• Design and develop returnable and expendable packaging for complex automotive assemblies, sub-assemblies, and components using CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks, or equivalent).
• Conduct packaging feasibility studies at program launch; define dunnage concepts and container specifications to protect parts from point of manufacture to point of use.
• Create and maintain packaging drawings, bill of materials (BOM), and technical specifications in accordance with customer and internal standards.
• Evaluate foam, thermoform, corrugated and metal rack options to optimize part protection, stackability, and cube utilization.

Validation & Testing

• Develop and execute packaging validation plans including drop, vibration, and transportation simulation testing (ISTA, ASTM, or customer-defined protocols).
• Analyze failure modes and implement corrective actions to resolve recurring packaging damage issues at customers or during transit.
• Support First Article and PPAP/APQP packaging deliverables; document results and obtain customer sign-off per program timing.
• Interface directly with OEM customers (e.g., Daimler, PACCAR, Volvo, Navistar, Ford, GM) to interpret and implement packaging specifications and standards.
• Manage packaging suppliers — issue RFQs, review quotes, select suppliers, and oversee prototype build and production tool releases.
• Participate in customer packaging reviews, launch readiness audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Logistics & Cost Management

• Optimize packaging designs to maximize truck and container cube utilization, minimize freight cost, and reduce material waste.
• Track and manage packaging inventory; coordinate returnable container pools with customers and third-party logistics providers.
• Develop cost estimates for packaging programs; identify and implement cost reduction opportunities without compromising protection requirements.

CVG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc (CVG) is an equal employment opportunity employer such that all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

At this time, we are not providing sponsorship for this role. Applicants must be authorized to work in the country of the job posting location on a full-time basis.