Structural Designer - Packaging

Smurfit Westrock•Richmond, VA

48d•$69,750 - $116,250•Onsite

About The Position

Smurfit Westrock is seeking a Structural Packaging Designer to develop innovative, cost-effective, and structurally sound packaging containers. This role involves gathering project data, creating dies using CAD software, incorporating customer feedback, and producing prototypes for approval. The position is located at the Richmond corrugated container facility.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Packaging Design, or other programs with emphasis on 3D development - Required
2+ years of experience in packaging and design, industrial design, engineering, or point of purchase display - Required.
Familiarity with retailer specifications, print production, and manufacturing process
Expertise with equipment and tools within a fabrication shop including digital printers, CAD table, laminators, and mounting substrates
Proven track record of critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Creative thinking and ability to convey abstract ideas/concepts verbally or with quick sketches
Demonstrated experience with Design software including enterprise Computer Assisted Design (i.e., ESKO), and 3D software (i.e., Strata 3D Studio Mac, Adobe, Microsoft office)
Demonstrated ability to drive projects in a fast-paced deadline driven environment

Responsibilities

Intake customer project requests from customers and internal account representatives, confirm all critical information, and evaluate requests to ensure profitable fit and operational efficiency for WestRock and the customer
Identify the necessary materials and manufacturing processes for the project and provide alternatives as appropriate
Convey concepts with quick sketches, photos, and CAD visualization
Produce samples and mock-ups using various design techniques and skills including drafting (2D/3D), foam core modeling, and knife tools and cutting tables
Provide ongoing project support and answer all the customers’ questions related to the project’s design, set up, structural integrity, etc.
Present project overview for production assembly teams and managers to provide insight into the components of the project from the designer’s perspective
Collaborate with customers, sales managers, project managers, graphic designers, design managers, and engineers to determine the best design and development approach
Develop presentation material and assist with the presentation of abstract ideas for formal presentations in a variety of settings (one-on-one, small, and large groups to include peers, supervisors and clients) in partnership with creative counterparts
Create promotional materials and develop Bill of Material, Specifications, Palletization as necessary
Work collaboratively with Design Manager, sales personnel and other designers and offices to develop customer programs
Interact with Account Executives and others, including customers, to ascertain design needs and creative objectives
Provide coaching and training to designer peers to build capability
Onboard and train new design team members to ensure peers are effectively using WestRock systems/tools, and supporting customer needs