Structural Graphic Designer

Job Details: Job Location: York MW (IL) - Elgin, IL, Salary Range: $85000.00 - $105000.00Salary, Job Shift: Day, Job Title: Structural Graphic Designer

Job Reports To: Director of Sales

FLSA Classification: Exempt 

Salary: $85,000-$105,000

Benefits

401(k) + matching
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Health insurance – PPO and HDHP plans available
Life insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Referral Program
Tuition Reimbursement
Paid Time Off
9 Paid Holidays

Core Purpose: Always Meet Customers’ Expectations

Core Values:

Exceptional Customer Experiences... always
Work as One Team
Our people are our Family
Your word is your Bond
Think and act as an Owner
Environmental Leadership     

Job Summary:

The Structural Graphic Designer is responsible for designing innovative, cost-effective structural packaging and custom display solutions for the corrugated packaging industry. This role combines structural engineering principles with graphic design expertise to develop packaging that meets customer, retailer, and manufacturing requirements. The Structural Graphic Designer collaborates closely with Sales, Production, Manufacturing, and Customers to ensure designs are functional, visually appealing, manufacturable, and compliant with industry standards. The position also provides technical guidance, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and assists in resolving design and production challenges.

Essential Job Functions:

Design and develop custom corrugated packaging, point-of-purchase displays, and retail-ready packaging solutions that meet customer specifications and manufacturing capabilities.
Manage and prioritize multiple structural design projects while ensuring quality, accuracy, and on-time completion.
Create structural layouts, CAD drawings, 3D renderings, prototypes, and production-ready files using industry-standard software.
Collaborate with customers, Sales, Production, and Manufacturing teams to develop innovative packaging solutions that balance performance, aesthetics, and cost efficiency.
Review project requirements to ensure compliance with customer specifications, retailer guidelines, and manufacturing standards.
Coordinate and oversee outsourced digital printing projects as required.
Review and, when necessary, perform package testing in accordance with TAPPI and ISTA testing standards.
Support production during new product launches, line trials, and manufacturing startups by troubleshooting structural or design-related issues and implementing corrective actions.
Travel to customer facilities to conduct production line trials, assist with package implementation, and resolve packaging performance concerns.
Investigate design-related production issues and develop preventive solutions to minimize recurring problems.
Assist in training and mentoring design personnel on structural design standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Support employee performance evaluations and professional development activities as requested.
Participate in customer meetings, presentations, and packaging demonstrations alongside the Sales team.
Maintain accurate project documentation, design specifications, testing records, and revision history.
Stay current with packaging trends, materials, printing technologies, sustainability initiatives, and retail packaging requirements.
Maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment while following all company safety policies and procedures.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Other Functions & Employee Expectations

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the employee is expected to support overall operational effectiveness and contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment.

Support continuous improvement efforts by following best practices and providing feedback to enhance processes and efficiency
Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment that encourages learning, skill development, and overall team success
Assist in training, mentoring, and onboarding new and existing employees by effectively communicating and demonstrating company processes, procedures, and best practices
Demonstrate the ability to define problems, gather and analyze data from multiple sources, and draw sound, actionable conclusions
Effectively manage multiple tasks, priorities, and changing situations in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail
Exercise honesty, integrity, and respect in all interactions with clients, co-workers, and leadership
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times
Demonstrate a positive attitude and contribute to a productive and respectful workplace
Communicate clearly and professionally across all levels of the organization
Perform all work with a high degree of accuracy, efficiency, and accountability
Maintain reliable attendance and report to work as scheduled and directed
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
Demonstrate initiative in learning new skills, systems, and processes
Support team members and assist others as needed to achieve operational and business objectives

: Qualifications:

Required

High School Diploma or GED.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the corrugated packaging industry with demonstrated knowledge of structural packaging design, manufacturing processes, and retail packaging requirements.
Proficiency with ArtiosCAD, ArtiosCAD 3D, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat), and related design software.
Strong understanding of corrugated packaging materials, converting processes, and manufacturing techniques.
Working knowledge of offset lithographic and flexographic printing processes.
Knowledge of rotary and flatbed die-cutting equipment and tooling principles.
Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with customers.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Preferred

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
Experience supporting customer-facing sales presentations and packaging development projects.
Knowledge of sustainable packaging design principles and packaging optimization.
Previous leadership, mentoring, or project coordination experience.
Formal leadership or supervisory training.

Technical Skills

Structural Packaging Design
Corrugated Display Design
CAD Design and Dieline Development
3D Packaging Visualization
Packaging Testing (ISTA & TAPPI Standards)
Offset Lithographic & Flexographic Printing
Rotary & Flatbed Die Cutting
Manufacturing Process Optimization
Adobe Creative Suite
Microsoft Office Suite
Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis

Machines/Tools/Equipment:

The Structural Graphic Designer utilizes a combination of computer-based design systems, packaging development equipment, testing tools, and production support equipment to create, evaluate, and implement corrugated packaging and display solutions.

Primary equipment and tools include:

Windows-based computer workstation and related office equipment
CAD design systems, including ArtiosCAD, ArtiosCAD 3D, and other structural packaging design software
Adobe Creative Suite applications, including Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat, and related graphic design tools
CAD plotting tables and sample-making equipment for prototype development
Large-format printers, digital proofing equipment, and color management tools
Packaging sample preparation and prototype assembly tools
Corrugated packaging testing equipment used for performance evaluation and validation
ISTA and TAPPI testing equipment and related measurement devices
Basic hand tools, including:

Utility knives and cutting tools
Dead blow hammer
Tape guns and dispensers
Hot glue guns
Measuring tools and rulers
Hand assembly tools

Digital photography and documentation equipment for design reviews and customer presentations
Personal protective equipment (PPE) required for manufacturing environments, including safety glasses, hearing protection, and other required safety equipment

The Structural Graphic Designer must be comfortable working with both digital design technology and hands-on packaging development tools while collaborating with manufacturing teams to support prototype creation, testing, troubleshooting, and production implementation.

Safety: 

Employees are expected to follow all facility safety guidelines that include adhering to GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) and Food Safety as outlined during their training.

Working Conditions:

This position operates primarily in an office environment with frequent interaction in a manufacturing facility where exposure to noise, moving equipment, dust, and industrial conditions is common. Hearing protection and other required PPE must be worn in designated production areas. Occasional travel is required to customer locations for design reviews, sales presentations, production line trials, package testing, and troubleshooting activities.

Work Schedule

The Structural Graphic Designer is a full-time salaried position requiring flexibility to meet project deadlines, customer requirements, and production support needs. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday during normal business hours; however, occasional extended hours may be required based on customer commitments, production schedules, project timelines, or operational needs.

Note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Physical Requirements Checklist that specifies the physical demands for this job is attached and is incorporated into this description. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST FOR

Structural Graphic Designer

1.         In a normal workday, the employee must be able to stand:

(  ) little or no standing           (X) 1-4 hours              (  ) 4-6 hours               (  ) 7+ hours

2.         In a normal workday, the employee must be able to sit:

(  ) little or no sitting              (  ) 1-4 hours               (X) 4-6 hours              (  ) 7+ hours

3.         In a normal workday, the employee must be able to walk:

(X) little or no walking           (  ) 1-4 hours               (  ) 4-6 hours               (  ) 7+ hours

4.         In a normal workday, the employee must be able to drive:

(X) little or no driving            (  ) 1-4 hours               (  ) 4-6 hours   (  ) 7+ hours

5.         In a normal workday, the employee must be able to lift/carry:

(  ) 10 lbs. maximum; occasionally carry small objects – Sedentary Work

(  ) 20 lbs. maximum; frequently lift/carry up to 10 lbs. – Light Work

(  ) 50 lbs. maximum; frequently lift/carry up to 25 lbs. – Medium Work

(X ) 75 lbs. maximum; frequently lift/carry up to 50 lbs. – Heavy Work

6.         The employee must be able to use his/her upper extremities for repetitive:

Simple Grasping         (X) Yes                       (  ) No

Pushing/Pulling          (X) Yes                       (  ) No

Fine Manipulation      (X) Yes                       (  ) No

 
 

Continuously

Frequently

Occasionally

 
 

(67 - 100%)

(34 - 66%)

(0 - 33%)

Employee Must Be Able To:

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

                Bend at the waist

____

____

__x__

                 Squat at the knees

____

__x__

____

               Climb

____

____

__x__

             Reach above shoulders

____

__x__

____

                Kneel

____

____

__x__

                  Crawl

____

____

__x__

            Use feet (foot controls)

____

____

__x__

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

We strive to create and maintain an inclusive and diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship, veteran status, gender identity or any other legally protected status.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job