Packaging Engineer

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc.; Vonore (TN); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. seeks a Packaging Engineer to design, develop, and validate packaging for automotive components, ensuring protection during transit and cost-effective logistics.

The role partners with Program Management, Manufacturing, Logistics, and customers to meet requirements throughout the product lifecycle. Responsibilities include CAD-driven packaging development, feasibility studies, BOM management, and optimization of protection, stackability, and cube usage across

Qualifications

• Experience designing returnable and expendable packaging.
• Ability to work with cross-functional teams (Program Management, Manufacturing, Logistics).
• Familiarity with packaging validation testing protocols (ISTA, ASTM, etc.).

Responsibilities

• Design and develop returnable and expendable packaging for automotive assemblies and components using CAD tools.
• Conduct packaging feasibility studies at program launch; define dunnage concepts and container specifications.
• Create and maintain packaging drawings, BOMs, and technical specifications.
• Evaluate foam, thermoform, corrugated and metal rack options to optimize protection and cube utilization.

Skills

Packaging design

Cross-functional collaboration

Project management

Tools

CATIA

SolidWorks

Job description

The Packaging Engineeris responsible fordesigning, developing, andvalidatingreturnable 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,optimizetransportation 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 andmaintainpackaging drawings, bill of materials (BOM), and technical specificationsin accordance withcustomer and internal standards.

• Evaluate foam, thermoform, corrugated and metal rack options tooptimizepart protection,stackability, and cubeutilization.

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

• Optimizepackaging designs to maximize truck and container cubeutilization, minimize freight cost, and reduce material waste.

• Track and manage packaging inventory; coordinate returnable container pools with customers and third-partylogisticsproviders.

• Develop cost estimates for packaging programs;identifyand 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.

Visa Sponsorship

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.

No Unauthorized Referrals from Recruiters & Vendors

Please note that Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc (CVG) and any of its affiliated companies does not seek or accept unsolicited resumes or offers from third party recruiters or staffing agencies associated with any published or unpublished employment opportunities. Any unsolicited information sent to CVG will be considered as unencumbered and free from any fee or charge whatsoever. Only members of our Human Resources Team have the authority to engage or authorize recruiting services, which must be agreed upon before any resume or offer is received.