Packaging Engineer

Blue Bird Careers•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 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 ensure packaging is cost-effective, sustainable, ergonomic, and protective of product quality throughout the supply chain. The engineer leads initiatives from concept through implementation, drives cost and efficiency improvements, supports new product launches, and ensures compliance with customer, regulatory, and company requirements. The role supports packaging for purchased parts, raw materials, service parts, and finished goods. It includes packaging fleet calculations, trials and validation, corrective actions, specification and documentation development, packaging audits, returnable-container inventory support, and management of project timelines, budgets, and implementation. The Packaging Engineer also supports PFEP, plant layout, material flow, and line-side delivery strategies, writes capital expenditure appropriation requests, and monitors packaging performance metrics. The position operates in office and production environments, including manufacturing areas with exposure to heat, cold, noise, moving objects, and sheet metal. Employees must use appropriate PPE when required. The role involves frequent communication throughout the day, occasional extended standing or sitting, and frequent weeks of 40 or more hours. Domestic and international travel may be required.

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 in automotive, heavy-duty vehicle, manufacturing, or industrial industries.
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 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.
All candidates must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents and authorized to work in the United States; proof of employment eligibility is required at hire.

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 customer needs and provide guidance.
Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills, including handling difficult and sensitive matters.
Ability to influence stakeholders and communicate complex details clearly.
Exposure to difficult or complex projects.

Responsibilities

Design and develop packaging for purchased parts, raw materials, service parts, and finished goods used in heavy-duty vehicle manufacturing.
Evaluate and implement returnable and expendable packaging systems to optimize transportation efficiency, storage utilization, product protection, and total cost.
Determine fleet calculations to align returnable packaging requirements 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 verify packaging integrity and quality compliance.
Analyze packaging issues and implement corrective actions to prevent material damage, shipment shortages, and operational disruptions.
Develop packaging specifications, work instructions, engineering drawings, and documentation.
Drive continuous improvement in packaging cost, sustainability, ergonomics, waste reduction, and supply chain efficiency.
Support PFEP, plant layout, material flow, and line-side delivery strategies through packaging design and container utilization.
Write AFE (capital expenditure) appropriation requests.
Identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supplier packaging performance with stakeholders.
Ensure compliance with applicable customer, industry, environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
Conduct packaging audits at supplier and manufacturing locations.
Manage packaging projects, timelines, budgets, and implementation activities.
Monitor packaging performance metrics and recommend data-driven improvements.
Support inventory management of returnable containers and packaging assets.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.