Packaging Engineer

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.; Vonore (TN); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. is seeking a Packaging Engineer in Vonore, Tennessee, responsible for designing and validating packaging systems for automotive components. This role collaborates with various teams to optimize product protection and transportation efficiency.

The ideal candidate will possess experience in CAD tools, packaging development, and an understanding of logistics and cost management. This position offers a pivotal role in ensuring packaging integrity throughout the product lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Experience in designing and developing packaging for automotive components.
• Ability to conduct feasibility studies and define packaging specifications.
• Knowledge of packaging validation techniques.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop packaging systems for automotive components.
• Conduct packaging validation and testing.
• Collaborate with customers and suppliers on packaging specifications.
• Optimize packaging designs for cost and efficiency.

Skills

CAD tools (CATIA, SolidWorks)

Packaging validation and testing

Customer collaboration

Cost management

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.

Customer & Supplier Collaboration

• 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.