Packaging Engineer

Kendrick Plastics•Grand Rapids, MI

About The Position

This position is responsible for the costing, design, testing, and implementation of all returnable and expendable packaging solutions for automotive interior components. This role ensures parts moving through injection molding, painting, and final assembly reach the customer in as‑manufactured condition while maximizing freight density and minimizing total landed cost.

Requirements

1 to 3 years of experience in packaging design and development
Understanding of regulatory requirements related to packaging materials and design.
Knowledge of additive manufacturing and 3D printing technologies.
Familiarity with packaging robotics and automation.
Experience with packaging-related software.
Ability to work collaboratively or individually.
Familiarity with production equipment and manufacturing processes.
Understanding of sustainability and environmental issues related to packaging.
Working knowledge with various engineering CAD software packages desired but required.

Responsibilities

Packaging Design & Development: Create innovative packaging concepts for new launch programs (cradles, dunnage, pallets, and totes) specifically designed to protect sensitive painted surfaces and complex interior geometries. Work with customer and vendor engineers to support quoting requirements.
Launch Process: Support launch team and customer by creative packaging design concepts that meet critical quality requirements and program cost.
Process Integration: Collaborate with the Injection Molding and Paint departments to design "work-in-process" (WIP) racks that reduce part handling and prevent contamination between stages.
Cost Optimization: Conduct freight analysis to maximize "pack density" (pieces per container), directly impacting shipping costs and warehouse footprints.
Support Kendrick Plastics Continuous Initiatives by making recommendations for making products/s more cost effective or profitable.
Testing & Validation: Lead ASTM/ISTA vibration and drop testing to ensure packaging integrity throughout the Tier 1 or OEM supply chain.
Supplier Management: Interface with dunnage and container manufacturers to source materials, manage quotes, and ensure quality standards are met for returnable fleets.
Responsible for selecting appropriate packaging materials and developing packaging designs to minimize waste, reduce costs, and ensure product safety during transportation and storage.
Design and facilitate the development of packaging prototypes and conduct testing to meet required specifications.
Work closely with different teams across the company to make packaging solutions efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective.
Monitor industry trends and innovations to stay updated with best practices and technologies for packaging.
Design packaging solutions that protect and preserve products during transportation, storage and handling.
Support new quoting activity by prepare logistics template for packaging and freight cost development.