Associate Packaging Engineer Jobs in Fountain Inn, SC

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $2B in revenue, and employ approximately 11,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity.

What We Offer:

• A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

Job Summary

The Packaging Engineer will play a critical role in the development and commercialization of innovative fiber optic telecom products. This position is responsible for designing, testing, and optimizing packaging solutions that meet cost, functional, aesthetic, sustainability, and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate is a proactive problem solver with strong technical skills who thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Packaging Design & Development:
  • Develop packaging solutions for new products, ensuring alignment with brand, functional, and manufacturing requirements. Create drawings, specifications, prototypes, and technical documentation.
• Project Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with Product Development Engineering, Product Management, Manufacturing Technology, Factory Operations, Quality, and Procurement teams to guide packaging from concept through launch. Participate in cross-functional project meetings, timelines, and stage-gate processes.
• Material Selection & Optimization:
  • Identify and evaluate packaging materials and suppliers to ensure performance, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability. Recommend alternatives to improve durability, recyclability, and cost.
• Testing & Validation:
  • Define, direct and document packaging performance testing (drop tests, compression, transit simulation, etc.). Ensure packaging meets industry standards, regulatory requirements, and company quality criteria.
• Manufacturing Support:
  • Collaborate with contract packaging partners to develop, prototype and validate packaging solutions.
• Sustainability & Compliance:
  • Integrate sustainability principles into packaging design, ensuring compliance with global regulations, labeling rules, and environmental standards.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Identify opportunities for packaging cost savings, efficiency improvements, and material reductions while maintaining consumer experience and product integrity.
• Adheres to and promotes the environmental, health & safety policies of AFL

Personal Qualities

• Strong customer service orientation.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate across width and breadth of company.
• Excellent written, listening, and oral communication skills; ability to communicate ideas in both technical and business language. Innovative thinking and creative problem-solving
• Strong attention to detail and technical rigor
• Project management and organization

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering/Packaging Science, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 1–5+ years of experience in packaging development, preferably within consumer goods or durable goods.
• Strong understanding of packaging materials, conversion processes, and manufacturing technologies (e.g., plastics, corrugate, flexible films, injection molding).
• Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks), specification systems, and packaging test protocols.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with suppliers, contract manufacturers, or global supply chains is a plus.
• Spanish language skills are desirable.

Working Conditions

• Office environment with some exposure to factory/warehouse environments
• Travel up to 20%, including international travel