Structural Graphic Designer

YORK CONTAINER COMPANY MIDWEST•Gilberts, IL

19d•$85,000 - $105,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Structural Graphic Designer is responsible for designing innovative, cost-effective structural packaging and custom display solutions for the corrugated packaging industry. This role combines structural engineering principles with graphic design expertise to develop packaging that meets customer, retailer, and manufacturing requirements. The Structural Graphic Designer collaborates closely with Sales, Production, Manufacturing, and Customers to ensure designs are functional, visually appealing, manufacturable, and compliant with industry standards. The position also provides technical guidance, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and assists in resolving design and production challenges.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED.
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the corrugated packaging industry with demonstrated knowledge of structural packaging design, manufacturing processes, and retail packaging requirements.
Proficiency with ArtiosCAD, ArtiosCAD 3D, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat), and related design software.
Strong understanding of corrugated packaging materials, converting processes, and manufacturing techniques.
Working knowledge of offset lithographic and flexographic printing processes.
Knowledge of rotary and flatbed die-cutting equipment and tooling principles.
Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with customers.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
Experience supporting customer-facing sales presentations and packaging development projects.
Knowledge of sustainable packaging design principles and packaging optimization.
Previous leadership, mentoring, or project coordination experience.
Formal leadership or supervisory training.

Responsibilities

Design and develop custom corrugated packaging, point-of-purchase displays, and retail-ready packaging solutions that meet customer specifications and manufacturing capabilities.
Manage and prioritize multiple structural design projects while ensuring quality, accuracy, and on-time completion.
Create structural layouts, CAD drawings, 3D renderings, prototypes, and production-ready files using industry-standard software.
Collaborate with customers, Sales, Production, and Manufacturing teams to develop innovative packaging solutions that balance performance, aesthetics, and cost efficiency.
Review project requirements to ensure compliance with customer specifications, retailer guidelines, and manufacturing standards.
Coordinate and oversee outsourced digital printing projects as required.
Review and, when necessary, perform package testing in accordance with TAPPI and ISTA testing standards.
Support production during new product launches, line trials, and manufacturing startups by troubleshooting structural or design-related issues and implementing corrective actions.
Travel to customer facilities to conduct production line trials, assist with package implementation, and resolve packaging performance concerns.
Investigate design-related production issues and develop preventive solutions to minimize recurring problems.
Assist in training and mentoring design personnel on structural design standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
Support employee performance evaluations and professional development activities as requested.
Participate in customer meetings, presentations, and packaging demonstrations alongside the Sales team.
Maintain accurate project documentation, design specifications, testing records, and revision history.
Stay current with packaging trends, materials, printing technologies, sustainability initiatives, and retail packaging requirements.
Maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment while following all company safety policies and procedures.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Support overall operational effectiveness and contribute to a positive, collaborative work environment.
Support continuous improvement efforts by following best practices and providing feedback to enhance processes and efficiency.
Foster a collaborative, team-oriented environment that encourages learning, skill development, and overall team success.
Assist in training, mentoring, and onboarding new and existing employees by effectively communicating and demonstrating company processes, procedures, and best practices.
Demonstrate the ability to define problems, gather and analyze data from multiple sources, and draw sound, actionable conclusions.
Effectively manage multiple tasks, priorities, and changing situations in a fast-paced environment while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Exercise honesty, integrity, and respect in all interactions with clients, co-workers, and leadership.
Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor at all times.
Demonstrate a positive attitude and contribute to a productive and respectful workplace.
Communicate clearly and professionally across all levels of the organization.
Perform all work with a high degree of accuracy, efficiency, and accountability.
Maintain reliable attendance and report to work as scheduled and directed.
Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
Demonstrate initiative in learning new skills, systems, and processes.
Support team members and assist others as needed to achieve operational and business objectives.