Structure & Design Specialist – Folding Carton​/Packaging

Structure & Design Specialist – Folding Carton / Packaging

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

Job Summary
The Structure and Design Specialist plays a critical role in translating customer concepts into manufacturable, high‑quality folding carton solutions. This role requires technical knowledge of packaging substrates, production capabilities, and creative design acumen. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in structural packaging design, focusing on folding cartons, and a bachelor’s degree in packaging, industrial design, or a related field.

Responsibilities

• Design and engineer folding carton structures using Artios
  
  CAD 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; 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:
  
  Artios
  
  CAD (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 / Perks

• Competitive Salary
• Performance‑Based Bonus Opportunities
• 401(k)
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Supportive team environment with a focus on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement.

• Mid‑Senior level

• Full‑time

• Other

• Packaging and Containers Manufacturing

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