Packaging Process Engineer

Job Description | Stabilus USA | Gastonia, NC | 13 August 2026

Job Summary

The Packaging Process Engineer position is based at our U.S. Corporate Headquarters in Gastonia, NC. Under the direction of USPP, this role is responsible for specifying, coordinating, and managing packaging solutions — working closely with suppliers, customers, and internal teams — to achieve cost, delivery, quality, and safety performance metrics per company and customer standards.

The role provides leadership in improving packaging processes and evaluation methods, adopting new technologies to meet business needs, and developing best practices. It also provides technical and operational leadership in supporting new products, packaging improvements, and cost reduction initiatives.

Essential Job Functions

Coordination, Systems & Customer / Supplier Management

• Maintain packaging data sheets, create pack records in SAP, and ensure compliance with customer specs and packaging codes.
• Coordinate packaging plan submissions through customer portals (e.g., OLCT for GM, VPACS for Toyota, GPP for Ford, and other customer-specific systems).
• Maintain label matrix databases and create or modify label programs for proper printing of required labels.
• Maintain drawings of packaging series and packaging part numbers, and packaging information for all customer-required systems.
• Work with package component manufacturers and other suppliers, as well as internal resources, to investigate and resolve packaging production issues and meet cost targets.
• Work with package component vendors to monitor compliance with packaging requirements — including corrugated boxes, customer-defined returnables and inserts, shrink/stretch wraps, plastics, banding, laminate tubes, plastic closures, inserts and outserts.
• Serve as the customer contact for packaging-related questions and support Customer Service in resolving customer packaging concerns.
• Assist purchasing with new vendor selection and cost savings initiatives.
• Fill out and submit packaging forms for company costing and customer approval.

Process Improvement & Cost Management

• Conduct engineering examinations of packaging-related processes and equipment to evaluate machine capabilities, material handling, and manpower use, and recommend changes to improve productivity and cost.
• Recommend and implement cost reductions and process efficiency improvements, and coordinate compatibility studies for new and existing packaging used on equipment and/or lines.
• Work in conjunction with sales and accounting to estimate expendable-to-returnable cost differences.
• Work with the shipping department to reduce in-transit product damage.
• Work with quality, sales, and program management to modify, change, or improve current packaging for in-production parts.

New Product & Packaging Introduction

• Coordinate cross-functional efforts for the introduction of new packaging into production, including working with Engineering and Sales to determine necessary change parts.
• Participate in team meetings related to product launches, improvements, and production packaging issues.
• Create and/or modify packaging kits, including internal packaging kits and packaging for unfinished goods shipped from the U.S. and Mexico.

Training & Support

• Provide packaging training across the organization.
• Assist Mexico operations with packaging questions and procedures.
• Travel to customers and other Stabilus operations to support improvement activities as needed.

Education, Training & Certifications

• BS in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
• Must be willing to attend and pass the Hazardous Materials Management course covering FAA (IATA) and DOT requirements within 90 days of hire, and renew every 2 years.
• Continuous education in time management, project management, and LMS systems.

Experience

• 3+ years of experience in an operational, coordination, or project engineering-focused role is preferred.
• Experience in packaging, automotive, or manufacturing environments is a strong plus, but not required.
• Candidates from adjacent operational backgrounds — such as project engineering, supply chain, or manufacturing coordination — with strong systems and cross-functional experience are encouraged to apply.

Job Knowledge and Skills

• Software Skills: Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word); working knowledge of SAP (PP and MM modules).
• Systems & Portals: Experience managing data within ERP/SAP systems and customer-facing portals (e.g., OLCT, VPACS, GPP, or similar) is highly valued.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong written and oral communication skills; comfort working with quantitative concepts such as basic statistics and cost modeling.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Ability to coordinate with manufacturing, engineering, customer service, and program management to ensure packaging meets customer intent.
• Contact with Others: Ability to work effectively across Manufacturing, Purchasing, Engineering, Quality, and Sales.
• Resourcefulness and Initiative: Ability to assess supplier and vendor capabilities against quality and packaging standards.

Working Conditions

• Physical Effort: Light physical work.
• Mental Effort: Performs a variety of complex, cross-functional tasks requiring problem-solving and coordination.
• Visual Effort: Must be able to read blueprints and CAD files on a computer.

Accountability

• Responsibility: Ensuring correct packaging that meets customer requirements, supporting on-time delivery and preventing material damage during transportation.
• Impact of Errors: Errors may result in efficiency reductions, unplanned overtime, expedite charges, and reduced vendor ratings — directly impacting existing and future business opportunities.
• Confidential Data: Access to short-term facility planning information and key production drawing data.

Other Duties

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.