Automotive Packaging Planning Specialist in Vance, Alabama at SWJ TECHNOLOGY, LLC

SWJ Technology specializes in providing engineering, planning, and project management services across various industries. We are currently seeking Packaging Specialist a client in the automotive industry, specializing in car manufacturing. This role is a contractor position that requires 100% onsite presence in Vance, AL with occasional travel to supplier locations within the United States If you’re eager to grow your career and make a meaningful impact on exciting projects, we look forward to your application.

PURPOSE:
The Packaging Engineer is responsible for implementing, improving, and maintaining packaging concepts and specifications for both Body Shop and Assembly operations. The role supports new vehicle program launches through packaging development, supplier coordination, packaging approval processes, and documentation management. The successful candidate will work closely with manufacturing, planning, production, safety, logistics, and supplier partners to ensure packaging readiness and efficient material flow. This position requires expertise in both returnable and expendable packaging systems, experience with packaging documentation and enterprise systems, and the ability to effectively support cross-functional teams across the U.S. and Europe while driving supplier coordination and launch readiness activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop new packaging concepts and modify existing packaging solutions.
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and validation of packaging concepts.
• Support packaging planning activities for Body Shop and Assembly operations.
• Coordinate packaging development based on Bills of Material (BOMs).
• Drive packaging approval processes with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Collaborate with suppliers to achieve packaging sign-off and launch readiness.
• Coordinate packaging material requirements and packaging procurement activities.
• Maintain packaging documentation and engineering records in company systems.
• Document packaging data and approvals in enterprise systems.
• Work closely with production, logistics, manufacturing engineering, safety, and planning teams.
• Monitor and update packaging and process information in internal systems.
• Support packaging RFQ processes and supplier evaluations.
• Provide onsite support to the packaging engineering team.
• Travel to supplier locations as required.
• Participate in project status reviews and provide progress updates.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Logistics, Supply Chain, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of experience in packaging planning, design, engineering change management, inventory management, line-side presentation concepts, and automotive manufacturing.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Experience in packaging planning in automotive industry, preferably experience with launch products
• Knowledge of returnable and expendable packaging systems. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​
• Understanding of packaging requirements for automated and non-automated processes.
• Experience coordinating packaging development with suppliers.
• Knowledge of ergonomic material flow concepts.
• Experience documenting packaging information in enterprise systems.
• Proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and OneNote.
• Experience with SAP systems. ​​​​​​​
• Strong communication and organizational skills.

PREFERRED SKILLS:

• Experience with OEM automotive packaging planning.
• Knowledge of line-side rack design and material presentation concepts.
• Experience designing returnable packaging systems and racking solutions.
• Understanding of dunnage reduction and repacking minimization. ​​​​​​​
• Experience with Body Shop and Assembly operations.
• Experience interacting with suppliers, logistics providers, and engineering teams.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Work is normally performed in an office, laboratory, manufacturing floor, or machine shop setting where physical work includes, but is not limited to sitting, standing, reaching, kneeling, bending, and lifting up to 25 lbs.
• Must be able to understand and comply with all relevant safety practices.

FLSA STATUS/WORKING SCHEDULE:

• Location: Vance, AL
• Schedule: Day shift, 40h/w, weekend as required
• Work Environment & Travel: 100% onsite role in a manufacturing environment. Domestic travel to supplier locations may be required.
• Overtime: as required
• Duration: Long-term automotive launch program with planned activities extending through 2030
• Assignment Start: November 2026

DISCLAIMER:
This job description is a high-level overview of general expectations of this position. It is not intended to list every responsibility of the position, nor does it represent an employment contract of any kind.

SWJ TECHNOLOGY and all of its subsidiaries (i.e., SWJ MACHINING and ProjectOne US) are Equal Opportunity Employers and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.