Design Assistant

Great Northern•Brooklyn Park, MN

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Under general supervision and following established procedures, the Design Assistant supports structural designers in developing package and display design concepts for customers. The position fabricates final samples of design concepts and prepares specifications used for cost estimates and production. It is an onsite role scheduled Monday through Friday, with pay of $23–$27 per hour depending on experience and qualifications. The Design Assistant works with structural designers and teams across Sales, Customer Service, prepress, Digital Press, Zund, and Production. The role may handle six to eight projects at a time and includes CAD work, sample fabrication, documentation, design-room organization, inventory management, and assistance with mock-store activities. Great Northern is a privately owned paper-based packaging manufacturer established in 1962. The company describes its workplace as collaborative, safe, clean, and team-oriented, and notes that it invests in manufacturing equipment and employee growth.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Commitment to ethical business standards and personal integrity.
Self-motivation and ability to work with minimal supervision.
Excellent oral and written interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to be approachable and supportive when working with others.
Understanding of algebraic and geometric concepts.
Ability to interpret drawings and customer specifications and understand basic corrugated container designs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, email, Publisher, and Excel spreadsheets.
Accuracy and strong attention to detail.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.
Ability to interpret varied technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and work with abstract and concrete variables.

Nice To Haves

A minimum of two years of vocational or trade school CAD system design training or equivalent CAD design experience is preferred.
Knowledge of computer software such as CAD system design.
Exposure to a Sales, Manufacturing, or machine-routing distribution environment.

Responsibilities

Complete assigned structural projects accurately and on time, working independently and seeking assistance from structural design staff as needed.
Work with the Structural Designer to create customer-focused package design concepts using CAD system designs.
Coordinate design concepts and fabricate samples, including containers, interior packaging, and displays.
Interface with the prepress team to create Mimaki artwork for mockups.
Support the Structural Designer on up to six to eight projects at one time.
Document accurate, detailed specifications for completed design projects for estimating and production.
Evaluate and analyze design packages for performance requirements, cost effectiveness, and customer-service standards.
Develop fabrication assembly drawings for specific designs when requested.
Operate the CAD table.
Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the design room and its tools.
Manage inventory and replenish stock sheets and other supplies.
Dismantle and discard displays after Structural Designers complete builds.
Assist onsite at the mock store as needed.
Provide support to the Digital Press and Zund teams as needed.
Regularly review and inquire about previous samples with Sales and Customer Service.
Prepare the design room for tours and meetings as needed.
Communicate and collaborate daily with Sales, Customer Service, and Production employees.
Learn and maintain an above-average level of knowledge of Artios Software.
Participate in required training and development programs.
Perform other job-related tasks assigned by a Management Representative.