Job Description:

Fremont, CA | Onsite

Senior Packaging Engineer

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Packaging Engineer to lead the development, optimization, and scaling of packaging systems across Nextpower’s U.S. operations. This role goes beyond traditional packaging design, focusing on end-to-end packaging systems, including returnable packaging, reverse logistics, cost modeling, and network-wide performance.

You will operate with a high degree of autonomy to solve complex, multi-variable challenges across product lines, logistics networks, and construction site operations. A key focus of this role is to transition packaging ownership from suppliers to internal control, building scalable, cost-efficient, and data-driven solutions.

This role requires a balance of technical packaging expertise, analytical capability, and systems thinking, with strong cross-functional collaboration across Logistics, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Field Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategy, design, and deployment of packaging systems for both new product introductions (NPI) and existing product lines, ensuring scalability across the network

• Develop and implement returnable packaging solutions, including container design concepts, tracking methodologies, and reverse logistics flows from customer job sites back into the network

• Build and optimize end-to-end packaging loops (plant → warehouse → site → return), ensuring operational feasibility across real-world construction and logistics environments

• Perform advanced data analysis to evaluate packaging performance, including density studies, transport efficiency, damage reduction, and total landed cost

• Leverage tools such as Power BI, Excel, or similar platforms to model scenarios, track performance, and drive data-based decision making

• Identify and execute cost reduction initiatives, including piece price optimization, material selection, and improved packaging utilization

• Lead root cause analysis of packaging failures and transport damages, implementing corrective actions across suppliers and internal teams

• Act as a technical authority and escalation point, guiding internal stakeholders and suppliers on packaging standards, trade-offs, and performance expectations

• Reduce reliance on suppliers by bringing packaging design and strategy ownership in-house, while continuing to guide and validate supplier execution

• Collaborate cross-functionally with Logistics, Procurement, Manufacturing, and Construction/Field teams to ensure packaging solutions align with operational constraints

• Support the development of return logistics processes, particularly for construction site operations, helping define and scale early-stage programs

• Contribute to the development of packaging standards, processes, and long-term strategy as the function grows

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience)

• 8–12+ years of experience in industrial packaging, preferably in automotive, energy, oil & gas, or other heavy/large-component industries

• Strong experience with returnable packaging systems and logistics flows, including reverse logistics

• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex systems and datasets, translating insights into actionable improvements

• Experience with data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, advanced Excel)

• Solid understanding of logistics operations, including transport, warehousing, and job site constraints

• Proven track record of cost optimization and supplier management, including driving piece price reductions and long-term cost leverage

• Experience working in supplier-driven environments, with the ability to shift toward more internal ownership and control

• Familiarity with CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, or similar) for conceptual packaging design (deep design work not a primary focus)

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity and evaluate multiple variables simultaneously

• Effective communicator with the ability to influence cross-functional stakeholders and guide external partners

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to travel domestically (and occasionally internationally) to suppliers, warehouses, and project sites

 Pay is based on market location and may vary based on factors including experience, skills, education and other job-related reasons. The annual salary range for this position is $160,000 to $175,000. 

At Nextpower, we are driving the global energy transition with an integrated clean energy technology platform that combines intelligent structural, electrical, and digital solutions for utility-scale power plants. Our comprehensive portfolio enables faster project delivery, higher performance, and greater reliability, helping our customers capture the full value of solar power. Our talented worldwide teams are redefining how solar power plants are designed, built, and operated every day with smart technology, data-driven insights, and advanced automation. Together, we’re building the foundation for the world’s next generation of clean energy infrastructure.

Nextpower is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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