Packaging Engineer

Packaging Engineer Location:

• Gastonia, NC Department: Engineering Employment Type: Full-Time About IFAB Corp.
• IFAB Corp. is a leading metal fabrication manufacturer serving customers across Class 6–8 trucking, agriculture, data centers, telecommunications, and other industrial markets.
• We are looking for a Packaging Engineer who will take ownership of our packaging engineering function and drive innovative, practical packaging solutions from concept through production.
• Position Summary We are looking for an engineer who can lead the entire packaging development process , make technical decisions, solve problems independently, and work cross-functionally with engineering, production, purchasing, quality, suppliers, and customers.
• The Packaging Engineer will own the design, validation, implementation, documentation, and continuous improvement of packaging solutions for both Work-In-Process (WIP) and Finished Goods , ensuring products are protected throughout manufacturing, storage, and transportation while meeting customer requirements, quality standards, and cost targets.
• Success in this role requires someone who enjoys building solutions from the ground up, managing multiple projects simultaneously, and taking ownership of results.
• What You'll Do Lead Packaging Development Own the complete packaging lifecycle from concept through implementation.
• Design packaging solutions for stamped, laser-cut, formed, welded, coated, and fabricated metal components.
• Define the best packaging strategy based on product characteristics, manufacturing flow, transportation requirements, customer expectations, and cost.
• Develop prototypes, build packaging samples, and validate solutions before production release.
• Continuously identify opportunities to improve packaging performance, reduce costs, and eliminate waste.
• Drive Technical Solutions Analyze packaging challenges and develop practical, cost-effective solutions.
• Perform packaging validation including drop, vibration, compression, stack, and transportation testing.
• Modify packaging designs based on testing results, production feedback, or customer requirements.
• Support Engineering Change Requests (ECRs) affecting packaging.
• Lead Cross-Functional Projects Partner with Engineering, Production, Quality, Purchasing, Tooling, and Suppliers throughout program launches.
• Coordinate packaging activities for new product launches and engineering changes.
• Communicate project status, risks, and timelines effectively.
• Manage multiple projects while maintaining ownership of deliverables.
• Packaging Procurement & Inventory Define packaging specifications and source packaging materials.
• Establish MOQ, MPQ, reorder points, and inventory strategies.
• Monitor packaging inventory to ensure uninterrupted production.
• Collaborate with suppliers to improve quality, cost, and lead times.
• Documentation & Standards Create and maintain packaging drawings using CAD.
• Develop and update Work Instructions (WIs), SOPs, BOMs, packaging specifications, and revision histories.
• Ensure packaging documentation remains current and compliant with company quality standards.
• Train production personnel on new packaging methods and procedures when required.
• What We're Looking For Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Experience designing packaging solutions in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar).
• Knowledge of packaging materials including corrugated, foam, dunnage, returnable containers, steel racks, and custom packaging.
• Experience managing multiple engineering projects simultaneously.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Preferred Qualifications Experience in metal fabrication or automotive manufacturing.
• Knowledge of ISTA, ASTM, or AIAG packaging standards.
• Experience with returnable packaging systems.
• Experience supporting APQP and PPAP launches.
• Experience working directly with customers and suppliers.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role We're looking for someone who:

• Takes ownership instead of waiting for direction.
• Can identify packaging issues and develop effective solutions.
• Is comfortable making engineering decisions.
• Thrives in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Can balance technical detail with project execution.
• Builds strong relationships across departments.
• Thinks proactively and continuously looks for improvements.
• Physical Requirements Regular presence on the manufacturing floor.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs when building or evaluating packaging prototypes.
• Comfortable working around manufacturing equipment and varying environmental conditions.
• Ability to manage changing priorities while meeting deadlines.
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