Packaging Engineer

Company: IFAB Corp.

Job Type: Full-time

IFAB Corp. is seeking a hands-on, detail-oriented Packaging Engineer to join our Engineering team. In this role, you will own the end-to-end development of packaging solutions for fabricated metal components across diverse industries, including Class 6–8 trucking, agriculture, data centers, and telecommunications.

You will manage packaging for both Work-In-Process (WIP) and Finished Goods—ensuring parts are protected from the production floor to final delivery—while developing and maintaining clear technical work instructions.

• Design & Prototyping: Create functional packaging designs in CAD for stamped, laser-cut, welded, and coated metal parts. Build physical prototypes for internal validation and customer approval.

• Testing & Validation: Conduct packaging tests (vibration, drop, compression, stack testing), document results, and iterate designs based on feedback or floor constraints.

• Supply Chain & Inventory: Establish MOQ/MPQ and define reorder points based on production schedules and lead times to prevent floor shortages.

• Documentation & Compliance: Author and maintain packaging work instructions (WIs), standard operating procedures (SOPs), and BOMs in compliance with IFAB quality standards.

• Project & Customer Management: Support program launches from concept to production, manage customer portals for packaging approvals, and hit key milestones under high-level timelines.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Quality, Production, and Procurement to optimize packaging materials, reduce costs, and train floor personnel on new procedures.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or equivalent hands-on experience.

• Experience: Proven experience in packaging design/engineering, preferably within a manufacturing or metal fabrication environment.

• Technical Skills: Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or equivalent) for packaging design.

• Materials Knowledge: Solid understanding of industrial packaging materials (corrugated, foam, dunnage, steel racks, returnable containers).

• Documentation: Experience writing or maintaining technical work instructions or SOPs.

• Soft Skills: Strong project management and communication skills; ability to interface professionally with customers and cross-functional teams.

• Experience with customers in Class 6–8 trucking, agricultural, data center, or telecom industries.

• Knowledge of packaging test standards (ISTA, ASTM, AIAG).

• Experience with returnable packaging and container management programs.

• Familiarity with APQP or PPAP launch processes.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish).

• Primarily office-based with regular time spent on the manufacturing floor collaborating with fabrication and finishing teams.

• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs when building or evaluating packaging samples.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with shifting priorities.

• Attention to Detail & Problem Solving

• Customer Focus & Team Collaboration

• Multi-Project Management & Deadline Accountability