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 and value of accuracy; ability to complete tasks with high levels of precision.  Ensure solutions are designed for current requirements while allowing adaptation to future needs. 
 
Collaborating: Knowledge of collaborative techniques; ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and collaborative manner. 
 
Decision Making and Critical Thinking: Knowledge of the decision-making process and associated tools and techniques; ability to accurately analyze situations and reach productive decisions based on informed judgment. 
 
Effective Communications: Understanding of effective communication concepts, tools and techniques; ability to effectively transmit, receive, and accurately interpret ideas, information, and needs through the application of appropriate communication behaviors. 
 
Packaging: Knowledge of packaging tools, approaches and practices; ability to package products and components safely and attractively. Experience with sustainable packaging programs, returnable packaging design, and automated packaging technologies.

Top Candidates Will Also Have

- Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Supply Chain Engineering, or a related technical discipline

- Experience in packaging engineering, manufacturing engineering, logistics engineering, supply chain engineering, or related technical experience

- Experience supporting manufacturing, heavy equipment, automotive, industrial products, or large-scale distribution operations preferred

- Knowledge and application of packaging solutions that are compatible with automated systems.

- Experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Design for Manufacturing & Assembly (DFMA)

- Exposure to a new startup operation, preferably in a manufacturing environment.

What You Will Get

- Launch a new advanced manufacturing operation and shape the strategy for packaging solutions.

- Improve product protection sustainability, operational efficiency, and supply chain performance.

- Collaborate with suppliers, manufacturing, logistics, and engineering teams to optimize packaging designs for distribution networks and production environments.

- Evaluate new materials, automation technologies, and packaging processes while reducing transportation damage and total packaging costs.

- Opportunity to influence global packaging standards and support new product introductions in a world-class manufacturing environment.

Additional Info:

- Location: Sanford, North Carolina

- Work Arrangement: Onsite, five days per week. Locations may flex between temporary offices while transitioning to new facility.

- Travel: High percentage of travel (50-75%) may be required during construction planning, supplier reviews, equipment installation, commissioning, startup and production ramp-up.

- Schedule: This will be a demanding and very rewarding role. Selected candidate should have schedule flexibility to meet project requirements.

- Relocation: US domestic relocation is available

- Visa Sponsorship: Not available

###

###

Summary Pay Range:

$112,710.00 - $169,060.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits:

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

- Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
- Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
- 401(k) savings plans*
- Health Savings Account (HSA)*
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
- Health Lifestyle Programs*
- Employee Assistance Program*
- Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
- Career Development*
- Incentive bonus*
- Disability benefits
- Life Insurance
- Parental leave
- Adoption benefits
- Tuition Reimbursement

* These benefits also apply to part-time employees

###

###
This position requires working onsite five days a week.
###

Relocation is available for this position.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Posting Dates:
October 7, 2026 - October 21, 2026

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.  Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .