Senior Structural Designer

Outform Group•Chicago, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Structural Designer is a strategic, hands-on design leader who develops innovative, retail-focused temporary display solutions that engage shoppers and support client brand objectives. The role combines advanced structural design expertise with project leadership, client-facing communication, and mentoring responsibilities. The designer leads complex corrugated, paperboard, hybrid, and multi-material display programs from concept through production, partnering with Creative, Account Management, Production, Sourcing, and Manufacturing teams to deliver cost-effective solutions that meet retailer requirements and manufacturing constraints. The role manages multiple programs from concept development through production release and serves as the primary structural design lead on key client accounts and strategic initiatives. It drives timelines, design reviews, prototype evaluations, and production approvals, while identifying risks, manufacturing challenges, and cost-saving opportunities. The designer develops detailed concepts, engineering drawings, production specifications, and assembly instructions; evaluates materials and manufacturing processes; and supports testing, presentations, prototype reviews, and production launches. The position also contributes to design standards, structural innovation, and process improvement; stays current on material and sustainability initiatives; and assists with reviewing team designs and providing constructive feedback. Work includes extended computer use as well as hands-on sample making in an office and manufacturing environment.

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 in structural packaging/display design.
Deep understanding of corrugated materials, paperboard structures, printing processes, and retail display manufacturing.
Experience developing displays for major retail channels, including mass, grocery, drug, convenience, and club stores.
Strong knowledge of die-cutting, litho-laminating, flexographic printing, and assembly operations.
Excellent presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
Ability to lead projects independently from concept through launch.
Sample-making ability.
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 ability to use hand and shop tools.
Close visual acuity for design and detail work; good eyesight with or without corrective lenses.
Ability to work for long periods at a computer and in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, and moving machinery; required PPE must be worn.

Nice To Haves

Direct experience working 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.
Plotter operation.

Responsibilities

Lead 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 that balance 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 the 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.
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.
Present structural concepts and recommendations to internal teams and clients.
Collaborate with Industrial Designers to align visual design intent with structural feasibility.
Partner with Estimating, Production, Sourcing, and Operations for execution from concept through manufacturing.
Provide technical support during client presentations, prototype reviews, and production launches.
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.
Build samples using hand tools and shop equipment.