Job Description:
A Container Technical Specialist is an industry expert responsible for leading specs, design parameters, automation development and integration activities. Responsibilities include utilizing engineering tools and processes to successfully define requirements for various container designs. In addition, it requires deep knowledge of various validation protocols, ability to identify successful containers manufacturing processes, leverage Virtual Design, Development and Validation (VDDV) to support quality functions throughout a program lifecycle.
The Container Technical Specialist will play a major role in developing the next generation family of standard and engineered containers. This will require an experienced engineer to lead and drive a cross functional development team of Container Engineers, Manufacturing Engineers, and plant and supplier operations.
The Container Technical Specialist will work on projects at a strategic level and of a non-routine nature. Container Technical Specialist is responsible for researching and understanding information that may be unclear, disorganized, or novel and code it into specifications that can be efficiently executed at the tactical project level.
A Container Technical Specialist draws upon mathematics and physics principles to craft experiments and illuminate data for the purpose of problem-solving, decision-making, and specification writing.
A Container Technical Specialist is expected to stay abreast of packaging industry trends and emerging technologies with a goal of facilitating closed-loop-learning for GM container design and engineering customers.
The ideal candidate is naturally inquisitive and harnesses a passion for math and science to recognize and solve problems with little or no guidance.
Responsibilities:
- Develop, integrate and release both specialized and standard packaging specifications supporting multiple stakeholders
- Perform engineering design evaluations and concept development across multiple families of container styles.
- Utilize engineering tools and collaborate with VDDV groups including Safety Performance to successfully develop the best system solution
- Assessment of design to manufacturing processes (e.g. injection molding, welding, vacuum forming, foam, edge wrapping) for various types of dunnage materials
- Work multi-functionally to support initial design work, realize cost optimization, deliver customer focused requirements, and implement product and process improvements
- Communicate information to and from internal and external customer organizations (Design houses, Purchasing, Manufacturing, Quality, suppliers)
- Stay ahead of relevant new technology and driven products. Research Industry trends and practices
- Lead containers of the future automation workshops
- Management of diverse projects that are technically broad in nature and of chaotic timing
- Must be a technical expert for a broad range of returnable and expendable packaging methods and fabrication
- Expected to participate or lead Design and Specs Meetings and the Spec Committee Meetings and to prioritize specification topics and workload
- Expected to support internal and external container designers with NX and Tc issues
- Expected to travel in North America (USA, Canada, and Mexico) as needed
Education/Experience: (Required)
- Bachelor’s degree (Required) preferably in Packaging, Industrial, Mechanical or related degrees
- 5+ years relevant post-graduate work experience in the automotive packaging industry with established relationships and knowledge of packaging supplier capabilities
- Thorough knowledge of Containers design development and test engineering, manufacturing and assembly operations, engineering processes and procedures
- Experience working with vehicle integration issues
Qualifications (Required):
- Experience in 3D modelling and design software including multiple manufacturing processes & materials
- Intimate knowledge of material handling, manufacturing processes, and quality systems
- Immersed in the frontiers of automotive packaging including virtual engineering processes, “light-out” automation of returnable and expendable packaging, bin-picking, and unit-load de-lidding
- Intimate knowledge of industry specifications such as AIAG, ISTA, ASTM, SAE, ISO, or related
- Practiced use of Tolerance Stack Analysis, GD&T, and CMM methods
- Practiced use of statistical methods for data analysis, correlation, and decision-making
- Ability to prepare, interpret, and explain root sum square (RSS) worksheets
- Skilled use of design and virtual engineering tools including Siemens NX, TcAE, Altair SimSolid, ESI IC.IDO, SolidWorks, Catia, Keyence CMM software or related tools
- Ability to decompose systems into first principles, prepare static and dynamic load cases for FEA study, and understand CAE study reports
- Experience applying the results of CAE analysis to structure design to optimize performance
- Knowledge of shipping vibration data acquisition and testing
- Proficient use of mathematical functions and macros in Microsoft Excel and/or MiniTab
- Must possess valid credentials for travel in NA up to 10%. Regular travel in the SE Michigan and southern Ontario. Irregular overnight travel throughout NA
- Ability to deal effectively with ambiguity and rapid change in a results-driven environment
Qualifications (Preferred):
- Master’s degree in Packaging, Industrial, or Mechanical Engineering with specialization in statistics
- DFSS Greenbelt, Red X problem solving, and Design Thinking proficiency, Experience with DFMEA
- Experience in developing Cost/Benefit data analysis (Business Cases)
- Experience with PackAssistant and IBM Aspera P2P
- Mental agility and fortitude to evolve and chaotic requirements and priorities
- Strong command of language and succinct technical writing with some comprehension of legal terminology
- High level of creativity and analytical ability where problems are unusual and/or difficult
- Self-motivated and passion for math, science, and physics
- Strong leadership instincts with a demonstrated sense of ethics and integrity
