Packaging Engineer – Sanford Advanced Manufacturing

Career Area: Supply Chain and Logistics Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. Caterpillar is developing a new advanced manufacturing campus in Sanford, North Carolina, to expand production capacity for compact track loaders and telehandlers. The modern, technology-enabled operation is expected to incorporate automation, robotics, digital production systems and integrated logistics capabilities to enhance safety, quality and operational performance. Employees will help build the products our customers rely on while developing skills in advanced manufacturing and supporting the continued growth of Caterpillar’s Cat Compact℠ business. Job Summary In this role, you will lead packaging engineering solutions that improve product protection, manufacturing efficiency, supply chain performance, sustainability, and total delivered cost for a new advanced manufacturing facility. As a Packaging Engineer, you will work closely with manufacturing, supply chain, operations, suppliers, logistics providers, and engineering teams to design and implement packaging solutions that ensure products arrive safely, efficiently, and cost effectively. You will evaluate packaging materials, automation technologies, and transportation methods while driving continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, sustainability, and cost. This role will integrate current packaging along with new packaging solutions to provide end-to-end optimization from parts suppliers through point of use and back. This position is ideal for a packaging, industrial, manufacturing, mechanical, or supply chain engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges and influencing cross-functional decisions that impact the entire product lifecycle. What You Will Do Collaborate with on-site teams to align current packaging solutions to future packaging needs for a new startup facility Design and develop packaging solutions for products, service parts, and manufacturing components. Lead packaging optimization projects focused on safety, quality, delivery performance, sustainability, and cost reduction. Partner with internal engineering, logistics, manufacturing, and supply chain teams on packaging strategy and implementation. Work directly with suppliers to establish packaging requirements and packaging specifications. Determine optimal packaging methods for domestic and global distribution networks. Develop and maintain packaging standards, specifications, and engineering documentation. Research and assess emerging packaging materials, sustainability opportunities, automation technologies, and intelligent packaging solutions. Integrate automation into design for all packaging solutions to align with AMRs, AGVs, ASRS, and other factors present in an automated environment. Establish packaging performance metrics and reporting mechanisms. Support new product introduction (NPI) programs through package design, validation, and launch execution. Drive continuous improvement initiatives that improve packaging utilization, freight efficiency, warehouse space, and inventory flow. Ensure compliance with industry regulations, safety standards, and customer requirements. Lead packaging validation and testing activities, including transit testing and environmental simulation. Provide input and support on returnable container tracking systems such as RFID to ensure end-to-end visibility throughout the entire chain. What You Will Have Accuracy and Attention to Detail: Understanding the necessity an…

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