Structure & Design Specialist – Folding Carton / Packaging

Accurate Paper Box; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Bonus based on performance

Competitive salary

Dental insurance

Health insurance

Opportunity for advancement

Paid time off

Training & development

Vision insurance

Job summary

Accurate Paper Box in Knoxville, TN is seeking a Structure and Design Specialist to develop manufacturable, high-quality folding carton solutions. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in structural packaging design, particularly in folding cartons. This role necessitates collaboration across sales, production, and prepress to deliver innovative solutions.

Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in packaging or a related field, technical skills in ArtiosCAD, and a customer-first approach.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of structural design experience specifically in folding carton or related packaging.
• Experience collaborating directly with customers and production for custom packaging solutions is preferred.
• Familiarity with ZUND or similar sample table systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer folding carton structures using ArtiosCAD and related design software.
• Create, modify, and manage dielines to meet customer requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Sales and Customer Service to understand project goals.
• Lead sample creation and mock-up development using cutting table for presentations.
• Work with Prepress to ensure clean transitions from structural layout.
• Assess manufacturability and recommend substrate alternatives.
• Attend customer meetings to review structure performance.
• Maintain organized records of design iterations.
• Stay current on packaging trends and sustainability practices.
• Support Quality and Operations teams in cost-reduction initiatives.

Skills

Technical & Structural Thinking

Creative Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Communication

Time Management

Decision-Making

Software Skills (ArtiosCAD)

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Industrial Design, or a related discipline

Tools

ArtiosCAD

Adobe Illustrator

Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook)

Job description

Overview

Company AccuRate Paper Box is a privately held business located in Knoxville, TN, serving the Southeast and Midwest. We manufacture and design folding cartons and related paperboard products to meet a variety of customer needs.

Job Summary

The Structure and Design Specialist translates customer concepts into manufacturable, high-quality folding carton solutions. This role requires technical knowledge of packaging substrates and production capabilities, as well as creative design acumen. The ideal candidate has at least 5 years of experience in structural packaging design, with a focus on folding cartons, and a bachelor’s degree in packaging, industrial design, or a related field from a reputable university. This position collaborates cross-functionally with sales, production, and prepress to deliver innovative solutions that align with customer expectations and Accurate Paper Box’s standards for quality, efficiency, and performance.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer folding carton structures using ArtiosCAD and related design software
• Create, modify, and manage dielines to meet customer requirements and ensure production feasibility
• Collaborate closely with Sales and Customer Service to understand project goals, budgets, and technical constraints
• Lead sample creation and mock-up development using cutting table (e.g., ZUND) for customer presentations and approvals
• Work with Prepress to ensure clean transitions from structural layout to press-ready files
• Proactively assess manufacturability and recommend substrate or finishing alternatives as needed
• Attend customer meetings (onsite and virtual) to review structure performance, provide recommendations, and help close business
• Maintain organized records of design iterations, customer specs, and final approved files
• Stay current on packaging trends, material innovations, and sustainability practices
• Support Quality, Operations, and Sales teams in cost-reduction initiatives through smart design

People and Culture

• Act as a thought leader and collaborative partner in internal design and innovation efforts
• Promote a customer-first attitude across teams by developing purposeful and production-smart design solutions
• Participate in project kickoff meetings and bring a solutions-driven mindset to every phase of design
• Mentor junior designers or interns as needed to help foster technical growth within the department

Critical Skills / Capabilities

• Technical & Structural Thinking: Deep understanding of board grades, folding mechanics, die-cutting, gluing, and press constraints
• Creative Problem Solving: Balance visual branding needs with efficient design for production
• Attention to Detail: Precision in dieline layout, measurement, and fit; ability to preempt issues before production
• Communication: Translate complex design concepts into understandable terms for non-technical stakeholders
• Time Management: Prioritize multiple design projects to meet fast-paced customer deadlines
• Decision-Making: Make timely decisions based on both creative instincts and production know-how
• Software Skills: ArtiosCAD (required), Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook), familiarity with ERP/MIS integration

Experience

• Required: 5+ years of structural design experience specifically in folding carton or related packaging
• Preferred: Experience collaborating directly with customers and production for custom packaging solutions
• Preferred: Familiarity with ZUND or similar sample table systems

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Industrial Design, Structural Design, or a related discipline from an accredited university

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Bonus based on performance
• Competitive salary
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Opportunity for advancement
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Vision insurance