Packaging Engineer

Build Your Career with Ashley Furniture- Where Innovation Meets Comfort

Who We Are:

At Ashley, inspiring the love of home is at the heart of everything we do. As the world’s largest manufacturer of home furnishings, we’re more than a business — we’re a family driven by innovation, competitiveness, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. We persevere through challenges, push beyond the status quo, and constantly seek better ways to deliver an exceptional customer experience. Our solutions-first mindset and dedication to growth are why Ashley remains #1 in our industry.

If you’re ready to grow, you’ve come to the right place. With a true “Growth Mindset,” Ashley Furniture invests in developing future leaders and helps every team member learn from the best in the business.

If you are a current Ashley employee: Please login to your UKG account and apply using the internal job board.

Summary: We are seeking a skilled Packaging Engineer to design, develop, and optimize protective packaging solutions for our furniture products. This role combines technical design expertise with vendor management, quality assurance, and cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will work closely with suppliers, internal teams, and manufacturing facilities to create cost-effective, efficient packaging systems while ensuring product protection and safety throughout the supply chain.

Responsibilities:

• Communicate regularly with packaging vendors and potential suppliers; negotiate contracts and resolve packaging and quality issues
• Collaborate with import suppliers to improve container loading and stacking efficiency
• Design and develop protective packaging containers by analyzing engineering drawings, product specifications, physical characteristics, and safety requirements
• Create 3D packaging specifications and assembly drawings using advanced drawing software
• Partner with corporate purchasing and production departments to assess costs and production feasibility of proposed packaging solutions
• Develop sketches, specifications, samples, and written analyses for packaging design approvals
• Create and maintain Packaging Bills of Materials and resolve related issues
• Lead packaging equipment introductions and troubleshoot equipment-related problems
• Provide packaging design support for import products
• Maintain and update Ashley Packaging specifications and technical drawings
• Advise internal and external customers on efficient packing procedures, innovative packaging materials, and optimal use of sealing and fastening devices
• Support packaging introductions, revisions, and upgrades across product lines
• Conduct comprehensive packaging testing including ASTM and ISTA standards (drop, vibration, and clamp tests)
• Complete packaging audits for all manufacturing and finished goods receiving areas
• Monitor and maintain packaging-related reports and data, including customer Returns and Allowances analysis
• Manage weights and cubes data and enter UPC Code information into system
• Oversee packaging material substitution from stockroom to assembly lines
• Develop stacking diagrams and Standard Operating Procedures for finished goods handling and storage
• Evaluate and implement process improvement suggestions in a timely manner
• Demonstrate the Company's Core and Growth Values in all job functions

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• Proven experience in packaging design and development, preferably in furniture or durable goods manufacturing
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software for creating packaging specifications and assembly drawings
• Strong knowledge of packaging materials, protective packaging principles, and industry standards (ASTM, ISTA)
• Experience with packaging testing methodologies including drop, vibration, and clamp testing
• Excellent vendor management and contract negotiation skills
• Strong analytical abilities with experience in cost analysis and feasibility assessments
• Knowledge of supply chain logistics, container loading optimization, and warehouse operations
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills across multiple departments and external partners
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and documentation skills
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to develop innovative packaging solutions
• Familiarity with data management systems and reporting tools
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines

Work Environment:

This position is located in an active industrial manufacturing and distribution center with moderate to high noise levels, temperature variations, and material handling equipment in operation. The role may require extended periods of standing or walking on concrete floors and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and steel-toed boots. The fast-paced environment involves time-sensitive and safety sensitive operations and may include various shift schedules to support production and distribution needs.

Benefits We Offer:

• Health, Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off; increases with years of service
• Generous Employee Discount on home furnishings
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance
• Ashley Wellness Centers (location specific)
• 401(k) and Profit Sharing
• Life Insurance

Our Core Values:

• Honesty & Integrity: Acts with transparency, discretion, and ethical judgment. Trusted to handle sensitive information and provide accurate, unbiased insights.

• (Dirty Fingernail: Takes full accountability for outcomes, not just tasks. Inspects details, ensures data accuracy, and follows through to completion.

• Continuous Improvement: Actively seeks better ways to improve templates, tools, and processes. Learns from prior initiatives and embeds lessons into standard work.

• Growth & Results Focus: Understands how transformation initiatives drive growth, cost reduction, and profitability. Keeps work aligned to enterprise priorities.

• Culture of Leadership: Leads through influence, reliability, and example. Builds trust across functions and supports leaders at every level.

• Customer-Centric & Boundaryless: Works across silos for the greater good of the organization. Ensures outputs meet the needs of executives, initiative owners, and teams.

• Operational Excellence: Demonstrates strong organizational discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to translate ambiguity into clear, executable tools.

Interested in learning more about Ashley Furniture’s Community Engagement programs, Environmental Stewardship, or our Core Values, click the links below:

Corporate Social Responsibility

View Our Corporate Brochure

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and provide a drug-free working environment. While Ashley appreciates the interest of all candidates only those meeting specific position requirements may be contacted. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. The company reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

Notice to Search Firms: We are not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms. We will not pay any placement, referral or other fees to any search firms unless we have agreed otherwise in a valid, written agreement for the specific position posted and signed by an authorized representative of Ashley Furniture Industries.