Senior Structural Designer

The Senior Structural Designer is a strategic and hands-on design leader responsible for the development of innovative, retail-focused temporary display solutions that drive shopper engagement and support client brand objectives. This role combines advanced structural design expertise with project leadership, client-facing communication, and mentoring responsibilities.

The Senior Structural Designer leads the structural development of complex corrugated, paperboard, hybrid, and multi-material display programs from concept through production. This individual serves as a trusted technical expert, partnering closely with Creative, Account Management, Production, Sourcing, and Manufacturing teams to deliver award-winning, cost-effective retail solutions that meet retailer requirements and manufacturing constraints.

DIRECT REPORTS

• N/A

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

• Manage multiple design programs simultaneously from concept development through production release.
• Act as the primary structural design lead on key client accounts and strategic initiatives.
• Drive project timelines, design reviews, prototype evaluations, and production approvals.
• Proactively identify risks, manufacturing challenges, and cost-saving opportunities throughout the development process.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the structural design and engineering of temporary retail displays, including floor displays, pallets, power wings, sidekicks, endcaps, PDQs, and club store solutions.
• Translate creative concepts and customer objectives into manufacturable structural solutions.
• Develop innovative display structures that balance functionality, shopper experience, sustainability, and cost objectives.
• Evaluate and recommend materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processes to optimize performance and value.

KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)

• Present structural concepts and recommendations to internal teams and clients.
• Collaborate with Industrial Designers to merge visual design intent with structural feasibility.
• Partner with Estimating, Production, Sourcing, and Operations teams to ensure smooth execution from concept through manufacturing.
• Provide technical support during client presentations, prototype reviews, and production launches.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

• Create detailed structural concepts, engineering drawings, production specifications, and assembly instructions using ArtiosCAD and related design software.
• Conduct load analysis, pack-out studies, assembly evaluations, and transportation considerations.
• Ensure designs meet retailer specifications, product requirements, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Support testing protocols, including transit, load, and retail compliance testing.
• Hands-on sample-making ability, including confident use of the sample table, hand tools and shop equipment. Plotter operation is a plus.
• Capacity to multitask without losing focus in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Development, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; or equivalent industry experience.
• 7+ years of experience designing POP displays, retail fixtures, packaging, or corrugated structures.
• Advanced proficiency in ArtiosCAD or similar CAD program and structural packaging/display design.
• Deep understanding of corrugated materials, paperboard structures, printing processes, and retail display manufacturing.
• Proven experience developing displays for major retail channels, including mass, grocery, drug, convenience, and club stores.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including die-cutting, litho-laminating, flexographic printing, and assembly operations.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects independently from concept through launch.
• Sample-making ability. Plotter operation is a plus.

Preferred

• Experience working directly with major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam's Club, Walgreens, CVS, Home Depot, or Lowe's.
• Knowledge of SolidWorks, Impact, Adobe Creative Suite, and Esko workflow tools.
• Experience leading client-facing design presentations and design workshops.
• Familiarity with sustainability initiatives and alternative display materials.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

• Retail Display Development
• Design Leadership
• Client Relationship Management
• Manufacturing & Production Expertise
• Cost Optimization
• Creative Problem Solving: Contribute to design standards, structural innovation initiatives, and process improvements.
• Material Innovation: Stay current with emerging materials, sustainability initiatives
• Mentoring & Team Development: Assist in reviewing team designs and provide constructive feedback to ensure quality and consistency.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Project Management
• Strategic Thinking

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel and reach while building samples and working on the production floor.
• Frequently lifts and moves materials and sample components weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Requires manual dexterity and use of hand and shop tools, and close visual acuity for design and detail work.
• Works in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust and moving machinery. Required PPE must be worn.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
• Working conditions are in a normal office environment.
• Successful performance requires good eyesight with or without corrective lenses.
• Requires long periods of time working at a computer.

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Notice $108,000 to $138,000 Skills & Requirements Qualifications