Packaging Design & Validation Engineer

Nexthop Systems Inc. is seeking a skilled Packaging Engineer to drive the design, validation & procurement of product packaging for our next-generation, high-capacity networking systems for emerging AI infrastructures. In this role, you’ll combine technical expertise with innovative problem-solving to plan & execute all qualifications activities for cutting-edge packaging designs, ensuring they meet the stringent demands of all global shipping environments.

What You’ll Do

Develop, implement and oversee the cost-effective package solutions that ensure data center networking product protection and marketability as per client requirements, and industry standards.

Partner with packaging vendors, suppliers, and external labs to have packaging solutions in timely manner.

Develop detailed design, develop, qualify, release and maintain packaging functional activities.

Qualification plans to characterize and validate packaging solutions for product and it’s FRU (Field replaceable unit), subassemblies or components as per industry or internal specifications by working closely with HW design (mechanical, thermal, electrical etc.)

Come out with innovative ideas for cost optimization, durability during shipping, environmental impact, and compliance with safety regulations.

Adjust or customize packaging in real time to adopt product design changes.

Analyse different materials to assess the cost per unit, considering aspects such as durability, weight, sustainability and fragility of the product.

Validate the durability of packaging materials by subjecting them to simulated shipping conditions, ensuring they can withstand rough handling and environmental factors such as temperature changes, ultimately preventing product damage during transit.

Understand manufacturing plan & process, machinery, and assembly lines to ensure that the packaging design aligns seamlessly with the production capabilities, helping streamline the manufacturing process to improve operational efficiency.

Work closely with the cross-functional teams to coordinate cost, schedule and address cross-functional dependencies e.g. HW allocation, SW readiness, shipment etc.

Analyze test results, find product and package design issues, log bugs using tracking software, recommend corrective action, drive resolution and verify fixes.

Review, edit, and release package design, parts, and documentation.

Evaluate technical readiness prior to release to manufacturing.

Learn and improve test cost, consistency, and efficiency proactively.

What You Bring

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s or higher degree in Packaging or Mechanical Engineering.

2-5 years of experience in protective Packaging for telecom or data center product packaging development.

Technical Skills:

Solid understanding of structural dynamic (shock, vibration, drop,etc) and environmental (temperature, humidity, altitude, acoustic) testing for networking

Strong knowledge of industry standards e.g. ISTA, FedEX, IEC, ASTM, ISO etc

Able to configure various packaging from FRU, single, multipack, pallets and crates for air, sea, rail, and road transportation

Ability to perform fragility analysis with boundary scan testing

Experience with mechanical and environmental test equipment e.g. shock & vibration table, acoustic, and other packaging tests, etc

Familiarity with MDVT, HALT, & NEBS testing is a plus

Hands-On Expertise:

CAD tools such as Fusion or SW to design and reviews with vendors or Mechanical design engineers

BOM management tools such as Arena or Agile to maintain and release part numbers with adequate details

Conducting operational and non-operational dynamic (shock and vibration tests) and environmental tests at external and internal labs

Running test using standalone diagnostic or traffic test using OS & traffic generator

Designing and procuring test fixtures to start qualification early

Soft Skills:

Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

A problem-solving mindset with a focus on delivering results while managing technical risks and tradeoffs.

Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment.

Why Join Nexthop Systems?

At Nexthop, you’ll have the opportunity to design packaging solutions that drive the future of AI infrastructure. Work alongside experts in cutting-edge technologies, contribute to industry-defining projects, and make a tangible impact in the rapidly evolving networking and data center landscape.