Sr. Packaging Engineer

Job Number: 384

External Description:

Senior Packaging Engineer

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and scaling of packaging systems across Nextpower’s U.S. operations. This role goes beyond traditional packaging design, focusing on end-to-end packaging systems, including returnable packaging, reverse logistics, cost modeling, and network-wide performance.

You will operate with a high degree of autonomy to solve complex, multi-variable challenges across product lines, logistics networks, and construction site operations. A key focus of this role is to transition packaging ownership from suppliers to internal control, building scalable, cost-efficient, and data-driven solutions.

This role requires a balance of technical packaging expertise, analytical capability, and systems thinking, with strong cross-functional collaboration across Logistics, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Field Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, design, and deployment of packaging systems for both new product introductions (NPI) and existing product lines, ensuring scalability across the network

• Develop and implement returnable packaging solutions, including container design concepts, tracking methodologies, and reverse logistics flows from customer job sites back into the network

• Build and optimize end-to-end packaging loops (plant → warehouse → site → return), ensuring operational feasibility across real-world construction and logistics environments

• Perform advanced data analysis to evaluate packaging performance, including density studies, transport efficiency, damage reduction, and total landed cost

• Leverage tools such as Power BI, Excel, or similar platforms to model scenarios, track performance, and drive data-based decision making

• Identify and execute cost reduction initiatives, including piece price optimization, material selection, and improved packaging utilization

• Lead root cause analysis of packaging failures and transport damages, implementing corrective actions across suppliers and internal teams

• Act as a technical authority and escalation point, guiding internal stakeholders and suppliers on packaging standards, trade-offs, and performance expectations

• Reduce reliance on suppliers by bringing packaging design and strategy ownership in-house, while continuing to guide and validate supplier execution

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Logistics, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Construction/Field teams to ensure packaging solutions align with operational constraints

• Support the development of return logistics processes, particularly for construction site operations, helping define and scale early-stage programs

• Contribute to the development of packaging standards, processes, and long-term strategy as the function grows

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)

• 8–12+ years of experience in industrial packaging, preferably in automotive, energy, oil & gas, or other heavy/large-component industries

• Strong experience with returnable packaging systems and logistics flows, including reverse logistics

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex systems and datasets, translating insights into actionable improvements

• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, advanced Excel)

• Solid understanding of logistics operations, including transport, warehousing, and job site constraints

• Proven track record of cost optimization and supplier management, including driving piece price reductions and long-term cost leverage

• Experience working in supplier-driven environments, with the ability to shift toward more internal ownership and control

• Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for conceptual packaging design (deep design work not a primary focus)

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and evaluate multiple variables simultaneously

• Effective communicator with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and guide external partners

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel domestically (and occasionally internationally) to suppliers, warehouses, and project sites

Job Number: NX-3856

Community / Marketing Title: Sr. Packaging Engineer

Location_formattedLocationLong: Fremont, CA, California US