Packaging Engineer

Position: Packaging Engineer
Locations: Fremont, CA | Sparks, NV | Austin, TX

Job Summary

We are seeking a Packaging Engineer to lead end-to-end engineered packaging projects supporting Vehicle and Energy platforms. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in packaging design, CAD, manufacturing processes, packaging materials, testing/validation, and cross-functional project management.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end engineered packaging projects for Vehicle and Energy platforms.
• Partner with Design Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, New Product Introduction (NPI), and Operations teams to define and develop packaging requirements.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain and Logistics teams to develop efficient packaging solutions that protect parts while optimizing cost, space, transportation, and manufacturability.
• Design and develop protective packaging containers, dunnage, returnable packaging, and specialized shipping racks for domestic and international transportation.
• Create and interpret CAD models, technical drawings, datum structures, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up analyses.
• Apply industrial design and engineering principles to develop robust packaging solutions.
• Monitor packaging KPIs and work with Packaging Design Engineers to establish, maintain, and continuously improve packaging standards.
• Lead initiatives to convert expendable packaging to returnable packaging and support sustainability programs.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, risks, scope changes, and change-management activities.
• Support packaging vendor selection, qualification, development, and ongoing vendor management.
• Coordinate packaging testing and validation to ensure solutions meet quality, durability, transportation, and customer requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging quality, cost, efficiency, sustainability, and operational performance.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining high-quality results.
• Travel up to 30% as required.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• Hands-on experience with CAD and technical drawings.
• Strong understanding of datum structures, GD&T, and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, injection molding, and related fabrication methods.
• Strong knowledge of packaging and engineering materials, including aluminum, steel, composites, foam, and other protective materials.
• Experience designing packaging to applicable industry standards such as ASTM, Mil-Spec, or similar standards.
• Strong understanding of packaging testing, validation, and qualification.
• Experience working cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Logistics, Operations, and suppliers.
• Strong risk-management, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
• Strong team-oriented approach with a focus on process improvement and continuous improvement.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 30%.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with automotive, EV, battery, energy, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Experience designing returnable packaging, dunnage, shipping racks, and reusable containers.
• Experience supporting domestic and international logistics and transportation requirements.
• Experience with packaging sustainability and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Experience managing external packaging suppliers and manufacturing vendors.