Packaging Lead Engineer - Data and Standards

Benefits: A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including medical, dental, vision, paid time off, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan. Sterling Engineering is partnering with a global automotive manufacturer to hire a Packaging Lead Engineer. This leadership role is responsible for developing the company’s enterprise packaging strategy, establishing engineering standards, and leading a team of Packaging Engineers supporting new product launches. Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute the enterprise packaging strategy and technology roadmap.
• Lead and mentor a team of Packaging Engineers while assigning project workloads for new product launches.
• Establish and maintain company-wide packaging standards for automation, returnable, and expendable packaging systems.
• Develop controlled specifications, engineering standards, and process documentation for packaging workflows.
• Lead packaging governance, engineering change control (ECO/ECN), and standards review activities.
• Manage packaging data architecture, specification databases, PFEP, labeling systems, and documentation.
• Standardize packaging master data, labeling, serialization, barcode, QR code, and RFID requirements.
• Drive packaging innovation by evaluating new materials, technologies, and supplier capabilities.
• Develop KPIs and dashboards to monitor compliance, quality, cost savings, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and suppliers to improve packaging performance, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
• Lead training initiatives and establish best practices across multiple manufacturing locations.

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering preferred; Mechanical or Industrial Engineering degrees will also be considered.
• 7-10+ years of packaging or logistics engineering experience in automotive, Tier 1, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Previous experience leading packaging standards, engineering systems, or multi-site packaging initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of PFEP, packaging specification databases, cartonization, and labeling systems.
• Experience integrating packaging data with ERP, PLM, or WMS platforms such as SAP, Oracle, Teamcenter, or Windchill.
• Proficiency with CAD software including SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX.
• Strong understanding of ISTA and ASTM transportation testing standards.
• Excellent leadership, project management, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience managing enterprise packaging strategies across multiple manufacturing facilities.
• Knowledge of GS1 and AIAG labeling standards.
• Experience with TOPS, Cape Pack, ArtiosCAD, or similar packaging software.
• Familiarity with sustainability initiatives, returnable packaging programs, and automation-ready packaging design.
• Experience developing engineering standards, governance processes, and continuous improvement programs.
• Strong data analytics and business intelligence experience using Excel and reporting tools.