Packaging Production Designer

Mandatory Portfolio & Technical Documentation Requirements Applications without relevant technical production documentation will not be considered. We are not seeking traditional portfolios of finished packaging, branding concepts, or product photography. Submit actual examples of your production process and identify your personal contribution. Production-ready artwork, dielines, specifications, and manufacturing callouts. About Likely Inc. is a Pasadena-based design and manufacturing studio specializing in luxury and sustainable custom packaging. We develop packaging from concept and structural engineering through sampling, manufacturing, and delivery. Role Overview We seek a senior packaging production professional with 7+ years of experience who can independently create accurate production files and build the standards, documentation procedures, and quality control workflows that support reliable manufacturing. This is a systems-building role, not a position focused on adjusting existing dielines or presenting finished designs. Key Responsibilities Independently develop and verify production-ready artwork and dielines for rigid boxes, folding cartons, bags, labels, stationery, and other custom packaging. Specify dimensions, tolerances, substrates, construction, printing, coatings, foil, embossing, and other finishes with clear factory instructions. Build and maintain file setup standards, naming conventions, version controls, specification templates, approval records, and revision logs. Review physical samples together with the assigned product developer; compare against approved files, specifications, materials, colors, dimensions, and finishes. Document discrepancies using annotated photos, measurements, clear corrective actions, owners, and revision status. Create consistent, client-ready sample review presentations and factory-facing correction reports. Ensure changes are incorporated into current artwork and specifications before sampling or production release; flag unresolved risks. Collaborate with creative, development, sourcing, and overseas manufacturing teams; manage priorities and communicate issues proactively. Qualifications 7+ years in packaging production design, prepress, or packaging manufacturing; manufacturer-side experience strongly preferred. Advanced Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Acrobat skills; deep knowledge of dielines, print processes, materials, and manufacturing tolerances. Demonstrated experience creating or improving production documentation, sample review systems, quality checks, and standard operating procedures. Strong technical judgment, independent problem-solving, clear communication, and exceptional organizational skills. What We Offer Hands-on role in shaping high-profile packaging projects Opportunities for professional growth and continuing education Health benefits for eligible full-time employees following the introductory period paid sick leave in accordance with California law PTO according to company policy opportunities for professional growth. Compensation $73,000/year We look forward to seeing how your expertise can help us drive innovation and sustainability in packaging production! #J-18808-Ljbffr