Senior Structural Designer

Outform Group•Chicago, IL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Structural Designer is a strategic, hands-on design leader who develops innovative, retail-focused temporary display solutions that support client brand objectives and shopper engagement. The role leads structural development of complex corrugated, paperboard, hybrid, and multi-material display programs from concept through production, combining advanced structural design expertise with project leadership, client communication, and mentoring responsibilities. The Senior Structural Designer serves as a technical expert and primary structural design lead for key client accounts and strategic initiatives. The position manages multiple programs, timelines, design reviews, prototype evaluations, and production approvals while identifying risks, manufacturing challenges, and cost-saving opportunities. It partners with Creative, Account Management, Industrial Design, Estimating, Production, Sourcing, Operations, and Manufacturing teams to deliver cost-effective solutions that meet retailer requirements and manufacturing capabilities. The work includes creating structural concepts, engineering drawings, production specifications, and assembly instructions; evaluating materials and processes; conducting load, pack-out, assembly, and transportation analyses; and supporting testing and production launches. The position also involves hands-on sample making and work in both office and manufacturing environments.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Development, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
At least 7 years of experience designing POP displays, retail fixtures, packaging, or corrugated structures.
Advanced proficiency in ArtiosCAD or a similar CAD program and structural packaging/display design.
Deep understanding of corrugated materials, paperboard structures, printing processes, and retail display manufacturing.
Experience developing displays for mass, grocery, drug, convenience, and club store channels.
Strong knowledge of die-cutting, litho-laminating, flexographic printing, and assembly operations.
Excellent presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Demonstrated ability to lead projects independently from concept through launch.
Sample-making ability and confident use of the sample table, hand tools, and shop equipment.
Ability to multitask while maintaining focus in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and reach while building samples and working on the production floor.
Ability to frequently lift and move materials and sample components weighing up to 50 pounds.
Manual dexterity and use of hand and shop tools, with close visual acuity for design and detail work.
Ability to work in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and moving machinery, wearing required PPE.
Good eyesight, with or without corrective lenses.
Ability to work for long periods at a computer.

Nice To Haves

Plotter operation.
Experience working directly with major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam's Club, Walgreens, CVS, Home Depot, or Lowe's.
Knowledge of SolidWorks, Impact, Adobe Creative Suite, and Esko workflow tools.
Experience leading client-facing design presentations and design workshops.
Familiarity with sustainability initiatives and alternative display materials.

Responsibilities

Lead the structural design and engineering of temporary retail displays, including floor displays, pallets, power wings, sidekicks, endcaps, PDQs, and club store solutions.
Translate creative concepts and customer objectives into manufacturable structural solutions.
Develop display structures balancing functionality, shopper experience, sustainability, and cost objectives.
Evaluate and recommend materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processes to optimize performance and value.
Manage multiple design programs from concept development through production release.
Serve as primary structural design lead on key client accounts and strategic initiatives.
Drive project timelines, design reviews, prototype evaluations, and production approvals.
Identify risks, manufacturing challenges, and cost-saving opportunities throughout development.
Present structural concepts and recommendations to internal teams and clients.
Collaborate with Industrial Designers to combine visual design intent with structural feasibility.
Partner with Estimating, Production, Sourcing, and Operations teams on execution from concept through manufacturing.
Provide technical support during client presentations, prototype reviews, and production launches.
Create structural concepts, engineering drawings, production specifications, and assembly instructions using ArtiosCAD and related design software.
Conduct load analysis, pack-out studies, assembly evaluations, and transportation considerations.
Ensure designs meet retailer specifications, product requirements, and manufacturing capabilities.
Support transit, load, and retail compliance testing protocols.
Make samples using the sample table, hand tools, and shop equipment.
Contribute to design standards, structural innovation initiatives, and process improvements.
Stay current with emerging materials and sustainability initiatives.
Review team designs and provide constructive feedback to support quality and consistency.
Work collaboratively across functions and manage projects independently from concept through launch.