Product Development Engineer (m/f/d)

Sustainable Packaging Engineer

We are the world market leader for reusable packaging containers (RPCs) for fresh food and are constantly optimizing our products. We help make the food supply cycle for the population more sustainable. With our RPCs, safety for food transport is improved, there is less waste of food and at the same time the lifespan of the products increases. Through our products and the need for less packaging materials we reduce the carbon footprint.

Key responsibilities:

• Design and validate injection-molded PP/HDPE products using structured engineering methods, CAD/CAE, tolerance analysis, and FEA.
• Drive DFM/DFA and collaborate closely with mold engineers, toolmakers, and suppliers through tooling, trials (T0–T2), and PPAP.
• Own engineering documentation, change control (ECOs), and compliance with APQP, PPAP, FMEA, and ISO standards.
• Support innovation, rapid prototyping, and future-proof designs for digital, automation, and sustainability requirements.
• Manage task-level project execution: schedules, risks, budgets, and cross-functional communication.
• Clearly communicate technical decisions to senior stakeholders and present concepts and trade-offs in executive-ready formats.
• Embed sustainability principles across materials, durability, recyclability, and lifecycle performance.
• Drive continuous improvement through root-cause analysis and lessons learned across the product lifecycle.

We expect:

• BSc/MSc in Mechanical, Plastics, Materials, or Product Design Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Several years in plastics product development (injection molding), with proven delivery from concept to SOP.
• Several years total industry experience; this role is not suitable for junior engineers.
• Strong CAD/CAE expertise (SolidWorks/Creo/NX), FEA (ANSYS/Abaqus), and Moldflow/Sigmasoft (or equivalent).
• Solid experience with APQP/PPAP, MSA, tolerance analysis, and statistical methods.
• Demonstrated project execution skills across schedules, risks, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Experience working in international, multi-site environments.
• Analytical & systems thinker with strong quantitative reasoning who anticipates downstream impacts across the full product lifecycle, including digital, automation, and sustainability requirements.
• Creative, agile communicator who embraces novel ideas, works in rapid sprint-based iterations, and translates complex technical work into clear, compelling, executive-ready outputs for senior stakeholders.
• English fluency (written and verbal) is essential; proficiency in German is a plus and would be highly valued in this role.

We offer:

• Make a difference where it matters – Play a key role in a sustainable and future-proof industry.
• A culture of appreciation and respect – Join an international team where collaboration thrives.
• Flat hierarchies, fast decisions – Your ideas matter and drive real change.
• Work your way – Enjoy hybrid work and workation options. We provide everything you need for effective remote work.
• Delicious & healthy meals – Weekly changing menus from our online canteen Bella & Bona, subsidized by IFCO.
• Unlimited learning opportunities – Access to unlimited LinkedIn Learning.
• Support when you need it – Our Employee Support Program.
• Modern office – open office spaces, modern and digital devices.
• Boost your energy – Free beverages and a modern fitness centre to keep you going.
• Car parking and seamless transport connections – Enjoy underground parking with charging stations and a train station (S7) right next to our door.

At IFCO, we believe that a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, more competitive, and more resilient company. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and experiences. IFCO is an equal opportunity employer.