Packaging Engineer Leader

Job Title: Packaging Engineer – Aftermarket Parts E-Commerce 

About This Role 

Responsible for developing, optimizing, and standardizing packaging solutions that safeguard service parts throughout global distribution networks while minimizing costs, enhancing handling efficiency, and supporting warehouse operations. This role plays a pivotal role in reducing damage rates, improving picking, and packing productivity, and facilitating efficient transportation across parcel, LTL, and containerized shipments. This role collaborates cross-functionally with manufacturing, logistics, procurement, quality, and suppliers to deliver packaging solutions that support operational excellence and customer satisfaction. 

Job Description 

Aftermarket Packaging Strategy - Ecommerce 

• Develop packaging standards for service parts of varying size, fragility, and demand profiles (small parts, heavy components, irregular shapes). 

• Design packaging solutions suitable for high-volume distribution centers and spare parts operations. 

• Balance protection, cost, and warehouse handling efficiency. 

• Create specifications, drawings, and standards for packaging materials and configurations. 

• Lead the development and implementation of eCommerce packaging standards across distribution and fulfillment centers. 

Warehouse & Fulfillment Optimization 

• Partner with DC operations to improve: 

• Pick/pack efficiency 

• Packaging material availability and standardization 

• Develop standard pack instructions to drive consistency across shifts and sites. 

• Improve cube utilization and palletization standards to maximize storage and transport efficiency. 

• Work with packaging suppliers to source materials, prototype designs, and scale production. 

• Evaluate supplier performance and ensure quality and compliance. 

• Partner with engineering and product teams to ensure packaging readiness for new aftermarket parts launches. 

• Establish primary and storage unit of measure specifications prior to DC receipt. 

• Analyze field returns, damage claims, and transportation failures. 

• Develop corrective actions to reduce in-transit damage and returns. 

• Implement robust packaging designs for parcel shipping (FedEx, UPS), LTL, and international freight 

• Conduct packaging validation testing (e.g., drop, compression, vibration, environmental testing). 

• Evaluate packaging performance to ensure compliance with ISTA, ASTM, and internal standards. 

• Troubleshoot packaging failures and implement corrective actions. 

Documentation & Compliance 

• Maintain packaging specifications, SOPs, and engineering drawings. 

• Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements (e.g., hazardous materials, labeling, international shipping regulations). 

Cost Reduction & Optimization 

• Identify opportunities to reduce: 

• Packaging material costs 

• Freight costs via density improvements 

• Damage-related costs (returns, re-shipments) 

• Evaluate trade-offs between packaging cost vs. total landed cost. 

Required Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree  

• 5+ years of experience in aftermarket parts distribution, warehouse/DC operations 

• 5+ years of experience in packaging engineering in high-mix, high-SKU environments, experience supporting service parts logistics and global distribution networks. 

• 5+ years of experience in corrugate design, cushioning, and protective packaging and parcel shipping requirements and testing standards (ISTA 3A, 6-Amazon where applicable) 

• 5+ years of experience with cube optimization and palletization design, packaging for irregular and heavy items 

• 5+ years of experience handling hazardous materials packaging requirements and international shipping regulations and labeling 

• 5+ years of experience applying lean principles, root cause problem solving (A3, 5Whys), and cost reduction initiatives in operations environment 

Preferred Requirements 

• Certification in Packaging Engineering or related field. 

• Six Sigma, CX certification. 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field. 

• CAD tools (e.g., ArtiosCAD, SolidWorks) preferred. 

• Familiarity with ERP/WMS systems (SAP, JDE preferred). 

• Strong cross-functional leadership (operations, logistics, procurement) 

• Ability to influence DC teams and standardize processes 

• High attention to detail with an execution mindset