Packaging Engineer

Blue Bird Corporation•Fort Valley, GA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and continuously improving returnable and expendable packaging solutions for transporting, storing, and delivering components and materials used in heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing. The role works with Purchasing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Logistics, Quality, Engineering, suppliers, and other stakeholders to create cost-effective, sustainable, ergonomic packaging that protects product quality throughout the supply chain. The Packaging Engineer leads initiatives from concept through implementation, drives cost and efficiency improvements, supports new product launches, and ensures compliance with customer, regulatory, and company packaging requirements. The position also supports packaging validation, supplier and manufacturing audits, returnable-container inventory, and packaging-related project management.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical field.
At least 3 years of packaging engineering experience within automotive, heavy-duty vehicle, manufacturing, or industrial industries.
Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and authorized to work in the United States; proof of employment eligibility is required at hire.
Strong understanding of packaging engineering principles, materials, and testing methodologies.
Knowledge of manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and supply chain operations in an automotive or heavy-duty vehicle environment.
Experience designing returnable and expendable packaging solutions for complex industrial components.
Understanding of material handling systems, line-side presentation, and transportation requirements.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, product specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
Proficiency with CAD software and packaging design tools.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
Knowledge of packaging sustainability practices and environmental compliance requirements.
Experience with packaging validation, testing, and quality assurance processes.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
Strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ERP systems.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement.
Experience developing and implementing returnable and expendable packaging solutions.
Experience working with suppliers, manufacturing operations, and logistics organizations.

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years of packaging engineering experience in heavy-duty vehicle, automotive, truck, off-highway equipment, or related manufacturing environments.
Experience supporting new product launches and high-volume production environments.
Knowledge of AIAG, MMOG/LE, and automotive packaging standards.
Experience with returnable container management systems and reusable packaging programs.
Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or Creo.
Experience with packaging testing standards and transportation validation protocols.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification.
Experience working with international suppliers and global supply chains.
Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance.
Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills, including handling difficult and sensitive matters.
Experience with difficult or complex projects.
Ability to influence stakeholders.
Ability to communicate complex details clearly.
Ability to work in flexible workspaces and work hours.
Ability to work collaboratively and balance individual stakeholder needs while delivering corporate objectives.

Responsibilities

Design and develop packaging solutions for purchased parts, raw materials, service parts, and finished goods used in heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing.
Evaluate and implement returnable and expendable packaging systems that optimize transportation efficiency, storage utilization, product protection, and total cost.
Determine fleet calculations so returnable packaging requirements align with volume.
Collaborate with suppliers, logistics providers, manufacturing facilities, and internal stakeholders to establish packaging requirements and standards.
Lead packaging development for new product launches, engineering changes, supplier transitions, and manufacturing initiatives.
Conduct packaging trials, validation testing, and performance evaluations to ensure packaging integrity and compliance with quality requirements.
Analyze packaging-related issues and implement corrective actions to prevent material damage, shipment shortages, and operational disruptions.
Develop packaging specifications, work instructions, engineering drawings, and documentation to support implementation and standardization.
Drive continuous improvement focused on packaging cost reduction, sustainability, ergonomics, waste reduction, and supply chain efficiency.
Support PFEP, plant layout, material flow, and line-side delivery strategies through optimized packaging design and container utilization.
Write AFE (capital expenditure) appropriation requests.
Work with stakeholders to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supplier packaging performance.
Ensure compliance with applicable customer, industry, environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Perform packaging audits at supplier and manufacturing locations to verify compliance with established standards.
Manage packaging-related projects, timelines, budgets, and implementation activities.
Monitor packaging performance metrics and recommend improvements based on data analysis and operational feedback.
Support inventory management of returnable containers and packaging assets.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.