Packaging Engineer

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

JOB SUMMARY

The Packaging Engineer is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and continuous improvement of returnable and expendable packaging solutions supporting the transportation, storage, and delivery of components and materials used in the manufacturing of heavy-duty vehicles. This role collaborates closely with Purchasing, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Logistics, Quality, Engineering, and suppliers to ensure packaging solutions are cost-effective, sustainable, ergonomically sound, and capable of protecting product quality throughout the supply chain.

The Packaging Engineer will lead packaging initiatives from concept through implementation, drive cost reduction and efficiency improvements, support new product launches, and ensure compliance with customer, regulatory, and company packaging requirements.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and develop packaging solutions for purchased parts, raw materials, service parts, and finished goods used in heavy duty vehicle manufacturing.
• Evaluate and implement returnable and expendable packaging systems that optimize transportation efficiency, storage utilization, product protection, and total cost.
• Determine fleet calculations to ensure returnable packaging requirements align with volume
• Collaborate with suppliers, logistics providers, manufacturing facilities, and internal stakeholders to establish packaging requirements and standards.
• Lead packaging development activities for new product launches, engineering changes, supplier transitions, and manufacturing initiatives.
• Conduct packaging trials, validation testing, and performance evaluations to ensure packaging integrity and compliance with quality requirements.
• Analyze packaging-related issues and implement corrective actions to prevent material damage, shipment shortages, and operational disruptions.
• Develop packaging specifications, work instructions, engineering drawings, and documentation to support packaging implementation and standardization.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on packaging cost reduction, sustainability, ergonomics, waste reduction, and supply chain efficiency.
• Support PFEP, plant layout, material flow, and line-side delivery strategies through optimized packaging design and container utilization.
• Write AFE (capital expenditure) appropriation requests.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders
• teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve supplier packaging performance.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable customers, industry, environmental, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform packaging audits at supplier and manufacturing locations to verify compliance with established standards.
• Manage packaging-related projects, timelines, budgets, and implementation activities.
• Monitor packaging performance metrics and recommend improvements based on data analysis and operational feedback.
• Support inventory management of returnable containers and packaging assets.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES FOR SUCCESS

• Strong understanding of packaging engineering principles, materials, and testing methodologies.
• Knowledge of manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, and supply chain operations within an automotive or heavy-duty vehicle environment.
• Experience designing returnable and expendable packaging solutions for complex industrial components.
• Understanding of material handling systems, line-side presentation, and transportation requirements.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, product specifications, and manufacturing requirements.
• Proficiency with CAD software and packaging design tools.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Knowledge of packaging sustainability practices and environmental compliance requirements.
• Experience with packaging validation, testing, and quality assurance processes.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Strong collaboration skills with cross-functional teams and external suppliers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and ERP systems.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as required.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Experience developing and implementing returnable and expendable packaging solutions.
• Experience working with suppliers, manufacturing operations, and logistics organizations.

BASIC EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of packaging engineering experience within automotive, heavy-duty vehicle, manufacturing, or industrial industries.
• All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 5+ years of packaging engineering experience in heavy duty vehicle, automotive, truck, off-highway equipment, or related manufacturing environments.
• Experience supporting new product launches and high-volume production environments.
• Knowledge of AIAG, MMOG/LE, and automotive packaging standards.
• Experience with returnable container management systems and reusable packaging programs.
• Proficiency with CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, CATIA, or Creo.
• Experience with packaging testing standards and transportation validation protocols.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification.
• Experience working with international suppliers and global supply chains.

WE VALUE

• Ability to anticipate and understand customer needs and provide guidance
• Excellent interpersonal and customer relationship skills to handle difficult and sensitive matters.
• Strong project management skills. Exposure to difficult or complex projects is a plus.
• Ability to influence stakeholders
• Effective communication and ability to communicate complex details in a clear manner.
• Flexible workspaces and work hours to help you unleash the best you.
• Working in a collaborative team and balancing the needs of individual stakeholders while delivering corporate objectives.

INCLUDES

• Continued Professional Development
• Benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 14 paid holidays, vacation time and 401k matching

WORK CONDITIONS

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office environment and production environment
• Must work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to heat, cold and noise
• Fast-paced production area with moving objects and sheet metal
• Occasional periods of standing or sitting for extended periods of time
• You must wear appropriate PPE when and where required
• Frequent weeks working 40+ hours
• Frequent communication with people throughout the day

*The specific statements shown in each section of this description are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Blue Bird® is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We strive to have the best available talent in every job based on the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities each person brings. Blue Bird is committed to compliance with all applicable laws providing equal employment opportunities. This commitment applies to all persons involved in Company operations and prohibits unlawful discrimination in all forms.

All candidates must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States and will be required to provide proof of employment eligibility at the time of hire.

LI- Onsite