Packaging & Material Flow Engineer

As a key member of the IMG MP&L team, the MFPE (Material Flow & Packaging Engineering) Engineer will be responsible for leading packaging validation, logistics parameter verification, and comprehensive cost impact assessments during the sourcing process for New Programs. Working closely with Purchasing, PD, and Plant Packaging teams, you will evaluate supplier proposals to secure optimal packaging designs and the best Total Enterprise Landed Cost for Ford. Your expertise will be vital in reviewing supplier logistics terms, validating dunnage fleet calculations, and driving on-time packaging approvals through Sourcing Evaluation Teams (SET) and GPDS gateways. You will champion Design for Logistics (DFL) and TVM initiatives to deliver sustainable, cost-effective packaging and freight solutions across the program lifecycle.

- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Packaging preferred).
- Experience: 4–8+ years of relevant experience in packaging engineering, material flow, logistics, supply chain, or landed cost management.
- Domain Expertise: Experience in the automotive industry—specifically within Powertrain or Vehicle assembly operations—is highly preferred.
- Packaging Optimization Tools: Proficiency in CAD tools (AutoCAD, CATIA) and packaging load simulation / CBM optimization software (CAPE Pack, TOPS, or equivalent).
- Dunnage & Fleet Modeling: Proven ability to build and audit dunnage fleet calculators, loop sizing, inventory norms, and returnable container economics.
- Sourcing & Logistics Terms: Solid understanding of Incoterms, freight costing structures, logistics contracts/terms, and Ford network design principles.
- Process & Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with Ford/automotive MP&L systems (WERS, WIPS, CMMS3, Teamcenter) and gateway milestones (GPDS, APQP, Packaging Sign-Off/PPAP).
- Cost Engineering & TVM: Proven track record in generating TVM / cost reduction ideas, evaluating Total Landed Cost trade-offs (returnable vs. expendable), and supporting business cases.
- Materials & Standards: Strong knowledge of diverse packaging materials (corrugated, steel racks, thermoformed trays, EPP/EPE foam) and sustainable/recyclable packaging solutions, along with industry transit test standards (ISTA/ASTM).
- Analytics & Digital Tools: Strong analytical mindset; proficiency in tools such as Power BI, Looker Studio, Python, Power Apps, or GCP is a strong advantage.
- Soft Skills & Stakeholder Management: Excellent cross-functional collaboration, negotiation, and communication skills to work effectively with Purchasing, Suppliers, Plant Operations, and Leadership.