Job Title
Structural Designer
Department
Design
Reports To
Design Director
FLSA Status
Exempt
Job Summary
A Structural Designer is responsible for engineering the structure for point of purchase displays, shipping components, and corrugated packaging to meet customer expectations. They create the CAD dielines, line drawings, spec sheets, pallet patterns, prototypes, and fulfillment instructions for assembly.
Job Function / Purpose
Structural designers dissect a visual concept to create each part of the design and decide how those parts will interact to become a fully formed masterpiece. Each project is unique and presents its own challenges, where the designer is the creator of the resolution. Both sides of the brain are engaged, using numerous computer programs for design work and completing hands‑on tasks.
Responsibilities
- Develop structurally and visually stimulating point‑of‑purchase displays and packaging concepts for products utilizing any type of material suitable for the project – corrugate, SBS, acrylic, etc.
- Meet with sales representatives and clients to present and recommend design solutions that meet customer requirements for size, style, price and production timelines.
- Prepare production‑ready specifications and BOMs, assemble and ship physical samples, generate line drawings, capacity studies, ISTA reports, CAPE reports, and intricate assembly and retail instructional sheets.
- Obtain pertinent information for outside materials and assist purchasing to screen for the best possible outside vendor for non‑corrugated material.
- Perform quality control; inspect prototypes and first‑article samples before presenting to the customer for sign‑off. Ensure quality of other designers’ work by reviewing against a checklist.
- Assist in ISTA testing for each display that has a full complement of client product.
- Maintain professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops, reviewing professional publications, establishing personal networks, and benchmarking state‑of‑the‑art practices.
- Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.
Education, Experience & Competencies
- College degree in Structural Design, Package Engineering, or Industrial Design from an accredited institution.
- Ability to quickly learn new software and processes in a fast‑paced environment.
- Precise attention to detail and dimensions.
- Proficiency in ArtiosCAD, Impact, SCORE, or similar packaging engineering programs.
- Knowledge of the Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Minimum of 3–5 years experience in corrugate P.O.P. display design and packaging within a manufacturing environment.
- Experience operating sample cutting machines for prototypes (e.g., Kongsberg tables).
- Expert knowledge of palletisation software such as CAPE or TOPS.
- Experience with ISTA testing such as drop, incline, vibration, or compression.
- Ability to present concepts, ideas, and samples internally and in client settings.
- Ability to value‑engineer and solve complex problems with cost‑effective solutions that satisfy multiple variables, meet manufacturing specifications, look aesthetically pleasing, follow retailer style guides, and remain relatively easy to assemble in Packout.
- Enthusiastic about helping sharpen other designers’ skills and sharing software tips and tricks with the team for increased efficiencies.
- Well‑rounded talent with experience creating various display types, using a combination of materials, for an assortment of retailers.
- Valid driver’s license with DMV evidence of a good driving record.
- Must provide a PDF attachment of your portfolio or a link to an online portfolio.
Core Competencies
- High ethical standards, culturally aligned, honest, trustworthy, and supportive of company goals.
- Energy and passion about the work, optimistic, upbeat, and engaging.
- Customer service orientation, builds the Bay Cities brand, and strong stakeholder relationships.
- Ownership mindset with proactive responsibility for outcomes.
- Team collaboration, trust, and cross‑boundary cooperation.
- Strong project management: prioritise, balance, and manage multiple efforts with results orientation.
- Creativity, resourcefulness, and continuous improvement mindset.
- Excellent oral and written communication, interpersonal skills at all levels.
Other
- US Persons Only (US citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugee or asylee – all require proper identification and documentation).
- Minimal local travel required.
- Physical and environmental requirements: employee regularly required to talk or hear, stand and sit, walk and reach with hands and arms, lift or move up to 35 pounds, specific vision abilities such as close vision and color vision.
- Work environment includes front‑office and manufacturing; noise level usually moderate.
- Pre‑employment verifications: must pass background, reference checks, drug screen, and physical examination prior to employment.