Engineer, Packaging III

Job Summary

The Packaging Engineer III leads the development and implementation of structural packaging solutions from concept through production. This role designs, prototypes, validates, and improves packaging to protect products while meeting quality, cost, manufacturability, brand, and sustainability objectives. The position also serves as a technical resource for packaging engineering, supplier coordination, testing, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Engineering and Execution

• Design and develop structural packaging solutions for new and existing products.
• Lead packaging prototyping, validation, testing, and production implementation.
• Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Value Engineering principles.
• Conduct and oversee performance testing, including ISTA and BIFMA testing, to validate transit durability and compliance.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, bills of materials (BOMs), and specifications using PDM/PLM systems.
• Support prototype builds, pilot production runs, and production ramp-up.

Technical Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement

• Lead root cause analysis and corrective actions for packaging-related quality, warranty, and field issues.
• Identify and implement cost-saving, material optimization, and sustainability improvements.
• Research and implement new packaging materials and construction methods.
• Improve packaging performance, manufacturing efficiency, and product protection.

Cross-Functional and Supplier Collaboration

• Collaborate with Product Engineering, Logistics, Manufacturing, Quality, PMO, and Supply Chain teams.
• Coordinate with suppliers to achieve packaging compliance, quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Support the transition from packaging development to production through technical reviews and issue resolution.

Process and Digital Enablement

• Standardize packaging documentation, specifications, and engineering practices.
• Support the use of simulation, 3D validation, and PDM/PLM systems.
• Explore AI-enabled packaging design tools and data analysis to improve design efficiency.
• Identify opportunities to shorten development timelines and improve production yield.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Product Engineering, Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of progressive packaging engineering experience, preferably in furniture or consumer goods.
• Demonstrated experience developing complex packaging solutions from concept through production.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
• Experience using Product Data Management (PDM) or Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Good understanding of manufacturing and packaging processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with nearshore manufacturing, such as Mexico, or global supply chains.
• Knowledge of digital simulation, structural analysis, and material validation tools.
• Familiarity with sustainability and certification standards.
• Strong understanding of metal, plastic, wood, and other structural materials.
• Experience with DFM, DFA, Lean, or Value Analysis/Value Engineering (VAVE) methodologies.
• Knowledge of multi-material packaging systems, including corrugate, foam, plastics, wood, and metal components.
• Experience using AI-driven tools and data analysis to improve packaging design, development speed, cost, sustainability, and performance.