Structural Designer III

Graphic Packaging•Carol Stream, IL

18h

About The Position

Graphic Packaging International is seeking a motivated Structural Designer III for its Innovation and Design organization. The role develops and modifies new and existing paperboard carton structures, with a focus on creating comprehensive, production-ready one-up drawings used to design, specify, and procure manufacturing tooling. The designer also creates conceptual drawings that meet customer requirements and supports prototyping through sample plotter tables. The position applies knowledge of paperboard substrates, carton structure design, and paperboard converting processes to execute design work from reverse engineering existing structures through conceptualization and production release. The designer uses ArtiosCAD and SAP, works with internal teams and customers to resolve technical challenges, and helps develop packaging solutions that address customer and consumer needs, marketing objectives, production efficiency, sustainability, and cost. The role also contributes to continuous improvement, design standards and documentation, project coordination, and the development of less experienced designers. Extensive on-the-job training and varied experiences support continued skill development.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Solid computer skills and high proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Effective time-management and project-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet short deadlines.
Ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization.
Ability to work independently while supporting team goals and objectives.
Ability to use initiative and sound judgment to make timely decisions based on data, facts, and experience.
Technical and analytical skills, strong visual skills in 2D and 3D, conceptual skills, attention to detail, design sensitivity, and mechanical aptitude.
High geometry and algebra skills.
Willingness to learn and be trained.
Certification in at least two design platforms.
Ability to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

College degree in industrial design, packaging engineering, packaging science, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
High-level mechanical knowledge and aptitude related to die cutting, production tooling design, finishing processes, and graphics layout.
1.5–3 years of demonstrated experience with folding paperboard carton structure design.
Working knowledge of paperboard substrates and carton structural design.
Working knowledge of tooling design.
Knowledge of filling-line machinery.
Prior experience with ArtiosCAD and SAP.
Any level of LEAN or Six Sigma education and experience.
Dynamic, flexible, personable team player who can participate in team activities to achieve desired results.

Responsibilities

Monitor, maintain, and control the work schedule and backlog for design, plotter sample, and conversion requests.
Use ArtiosCAD to complete carton design tasks, including conceptual and production-ready designs, according to customer and plant specifications.
Apply Graphic Packaging International design standards and required customer and plant specification formats for assigned product lines.
Finalize accurate one-up carton design specifications before release to converting and machinery organizations.
Develop alternative designs to improve form and function, shelf appearance, sustainability, production efficiency, cost savings, or margins.
Cut qualifying and prototype samples for customers and testing.
Coordinate design projects with other designers, customers, sales, customer service, manufacturing design, and carton converting groups.
Serve as a communication focal point for design-related information and prepare supporting materials when needed.
Interact in depth with customer representatives during the packaging design process.
Identify and develop continuous improvement initiatives and cost-saving opportunities.
Help develop and modify CAD design standards, tools, processes, training materials, design documentation, specifications, and intellectual property protection processes.
Participate in local culture development initiatives and activities.
Train and mentor less experienced carton designers.
Participate in employee certification and recertification activities; maintain required certifications in ArtiosCAD, Plotter Room, Structural Design I–II, and at least one specialty product line.
Perform other duties as assigned.