Prototype Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Material Packaging Engineer 
Location: onsite 

About PAC Group: 

At The PAC Group (PAC), we specialize in engineering consulting, program management, and operational excellence-delivering high-impact solutions in more than 20 countries. We're proud to partner with the world's leading companies in automotive, aerospace, industrial, and technology sectors, providing strategic guidance and hands-on execution that drive innovation and efficiency. Whether we're launching advanced manufacturing systems, deploying digital simulation tools, or scaling global operations, PAC thrives at the intersection of technology, engineering, and problem-solving. 

Joining PAC means joining a dynamic, fast-paced, and global team that values curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. 

Position Overview 

The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience developing, validating, and launching shipping packaging solutions for automotive or high-volume manufacturing programs. This role will oversee packaging from prototype design through RFQ, supplier selection, procurement, validation, and production readiness, ensuring parts are protected, cost-effective, ergonomic, and delivered in alignment with program timing. 

Qualifications 

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered. 

• 3+ years of experience in packaging engineering, logistics, or manufacturing engineering, preferably in automotive or high-volume manufacturing. 

• 2+ years of experience as an expendable packaging estimator or expendable packaging buyer. 

• Experience developing returnable and expendable packaging solutions, including racks, custom dunnage, standard containers, bulk containers, and supplier-provided packaging. 

• Knowledge of packaging validation methods, including prototype reviews, fit checks, shaker testing, over-the-road testing, and first article approvals. 

• Ability to support RFQs, quote reviews, supplier selection, purchase order planning, and production packaging release. 

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and project management skills. 

• Able to work effectively with Purchasing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, Engineering, suppliers, and packaging fabricators. 

Preferred Skills 

• Experience with automotive launch timing, prototype builds, production validation, and SOP readiness. 

• Familiarity with packaging specification forms, packaging guidelines, PFEP data, fleet sizing, density studies, and containerization strategies. 

• Working knowledge of CAD drawings, STEP files, packaging prints, and supplier design reviews. 

• Experience identifying cost reduction opportunities through right-sizing, standard containers, improved pack density, reusable packaging, and supplier ownership strategies. 

• Understanding of ergonomic, quality, transportation, labeling, and damage prevention requirements for inbound shipping packaging. 

WHAT YOU GET TO DO 

• Lead shipping packaging development from prototype concept through procurement and production readiness. 

• Review part characteristics, handling requirements, supplier locations, transportation modes, point-of-use needs, and quality requirements to define appropriate packaging solutions. 

• Support the Purchasing team by reviewing expendable packaging forms and supplier-submitted packaging costs to ensure pricing is aligned with market trends. 

• Drive cost and density improvements for expendable packaging. 

• Coordinate prototype packaging builds, design reviews, stakeholder approvals, fit checks, and validation testing to confirm part protection and usability. 

• Support RFQ packages, quote reviews, supplier selection, purchase order timing, and production packaging release with Purchasing and Supply Chain. 

• Work with packaging suppliers, fabricators, part suppliers, Manufacturing, Quality, Logistics, and Engineering to resolve design, timing, cost, and quality issues. 

• Ensure packaging supports safe handling, ergonomic requirements, labeling standards, damage prevention, storage efficiency, and point-of-use delivery. 

• Track risks, open issues, supplier deliverables, prototype completion, validation results, purchase order status, and production packaging delivery timing. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds. 

• Ability to stand, walk, and perform shop-floor reviews, supplier reviews, and packaging inspections for extended periods. 

• Ability to work in manufacturing, warehouse, prototype, and supplier environments as needed.