Structural Designer - Packaging

Smurfit Westrock; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401 K Matching

Medical, Dental, Vision starting day 1

Tuition Reimbursement

Employee Discounts

Wellness programs

Job summary

WestRock Richmond is seeking a Structural Packaging Designer to develop innovative, cost-effective packaging structures and prototypes. You will gather project data, create dies in CAD, solicit customer feedback, and support production teams with design intent and structural integrity.

The role requires a 2+ year background in packaging/design and proficiency with CAD software and fabrication tools, with a collaborative approach to client solutions and documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Packaging Design, or related 3D-focused program.
• 2+ years of experience in packaging/design, industrial design, engineering, or POP display.
• Familiarity with retailer specs, print production, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience with fabrication shop tools: digital printers, CAD table, laminators, mounting substrates.
• Proven critical thinking, problem-solving, and creative thinking with quick sketches.

Responsibilities

• Intake customer project requests, confirm critical information, and evaluate profitability and efficiency for WestRock and customer.
• Identify materials and processes needed; propose viable alternatives.
• Convey concepts with sketches, photos, and CAD visualization.
• Produce samples and prototypes using 2D/3D drafting, foam core modeling, and cutting tools.
• Provide ongoing project support and answer customer questions on design, structure, and set-up.
• Present project overview to production teams and managers from designer's perspective.
• Collaborate with customers, sales, project managers, designers, and engineers to define design and development approach.

Job description

Structural Packaging Designer

The Opportunity: The Packaging Designer will develop innovative, cost effective, and structurally sound packaging containers, gather project data from WestRock sales and project managers, create dies in the Computer Assisted Design (CAD) program, solicit, and incorporate customer feedback, and create prototypes for customer approval. This position is located at the Richmond corrugated container facility.

How you will impact WestRock

• 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

What you need to succeed

• 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

What we offer

• Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities.
• An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies, and potential.
• Generous benefits including 401 K Matching, Medical, Dental, Vision all starting day one, Tuition Reimbursement, Employee Discounts, Wellness programs and much more!
• A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

The salary range for this position is $69,750.00 - $116,250.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.