Senior Packaging Engineer

Magna International•Troy, MI

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Packaging Engineer leads the development and execution of innovative, sustainable, and cost-effective packaging strategies across the organization. This role supports global manufacturing operations, ensuring packaging solutions align with operational efficiency, environmental goals, and customer satisfaction. The manager will drive standardization, continuous improvement, and technological advancement in packaging systems across all product categories, including WIP, finished goods, service parts, and returnable/expendable containers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
Proactive self‑starter, taking initiative to identify opportunities, solve problems, and drive tasks to completion with minimal supervision.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Proficiency in AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and packaging design software.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Global mindset with experience working in multicultural environments.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Minimum 10 years in Packaging Engineering or a related role, preferably in high volume production environment, class A surfaces, and returnable packaging systems.
Familiarity with lean manufacturing, JIT systems, and automated material handling.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting Factory of the Future (FoF), automation initiatives, or Industry 4.0 technologies is highly preferred.
Experience with ergonomics, line-side presentation, and PFMEA development is beneficial.
Proven experience in strategic planning, project execution, and cross-functional leadership.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement global packaging standards and best practices.
Lead cross-functional packaging initiatives to support manufacturing, logistics, and sustainability goals.
Evaluate industry trends and emerging packaging technologies, identifying and implementing best‑in‑class solutions that enhance automation readiness, support Factory of the Future (FoF) initiatives, and improve cost, quality, and operational efficiency.
Participate in value stream mapping (VSM) initiatives to eliminate waste and improve flow.
Oversee division level QCA and CERF submissions to validate fleet sizing models, confirm packaging design compliance, and maximize reuse opportunities in alignment with global standards and cost efficiency targets.
Develop and deploy a standardized packaging database and supporting processes to track reusable assets, improve visibility, and enable efficient redistribution across Magna Exteriors divisions.
Collaborate with Purchasing to improve sourcing strategies and leverage preferred suppliers.
Provide technical guidance and training to internal teams and stakeholders.
Support divisional teams during the product design phase to influence part design for optimal packaging.
Develop packaging concepts and solutions for new product launches.
Support program timing milestones with packaging validations and approvals in accordance with PDP deliverables.
Establish packaging standards for new manufacturing processes.
Develop packaging cost estimates for program budgets.
Provide on‑site support at divisions to identify, prioritize, and implement packaging‑related continuous improvement (CI) opportunities that enhance material flow, reduce waste, improve operational efficiency, and reduce quality defects.