Structural Designer (Wood Dale)

About the Company

Champion Container provides customers with premier corrugated cartons, packaging supplies and design expertise to fit their needs. Whether it’s corrugated, packaging supplies, equipment, service or JIT/VMI programs, Champion has become a trusted one-stop-shop for customers since 1975.

The Atlantic Packaging Group (APG) is a North American leader in sustainable packaging solutions, offering corrugated, decorative, recycling and paper bag products. Headquartered in Canada with U.S. operations, APG focuses on collaboration, innovation and strong customer partnerships. With 3,600+ employees, 80+ years in business and operates 20+ facilities across North America. Its Canadian operations include Atlantic Packaging Products (Ontario) and Mitchel Lincoln (Quebec), while its U.S. operations include York Container, Skybox Packaging, Standfast Group, BlackHawk Corrugated and Champion Container.

About the Role

The Structural Graphic Designer is responsible for designing innovative, cost-effective structural packaging and custom display solutions for the corrugated packaging industry. This role combines structural engineering principles with graphic design expertise to develop packaging that meets customer, retailer, and manufacturing requirements. The Structural Graphic Designer collaborates closely with Sales, Production, Manufacturing, and Customers to ensure designs are functional, visually appealing, manufacturable, and compliant with industry standards. The position also provides technical guidance, supports continuous improvement initiatives, and assists in resolving design and production challenges.

Pay range and compensation package

Salary Range- $60,000- $80,000 depending on experience.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom corrugated packaging, point-of-purchase displays, and retail-ready packaging solutions that meet customer specifications and manufacturing capabilities.
• Manage and prioritize multiple structural design projects while ensuring quality, accuracy, and on-time completion.
• Create structural layouts, CAD drawings, 3D renderings, prototypes, and production-ready files using industry-standard software.
• Collaborate with customers, Sales, Production, and Manufacturing teams to develop innovative packaging solutions that balance performance, aesthetics, and cost efficiency.
• Review project requirements to ensure compliance with customer specifications, retailer guidelines, and manufacturing standards.
• Coordinate and oversee outsourced digital printing projects as required.
• Review and, when necessary, perform package testing in accordance with TAPPI and ISTA testing standards.
• Support production during new product launches, line trials, and manufacturing startups by troubleshooting structural or design-related issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Travel to customer facilities to conduct production line trials, assist with package implementation, and resolve packaging performance concerns.
• Investigate design-related production issues and develop preventive solutions to minimize recurring problems.
• Assist in training and mentoring design personnel on structural design standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support employee performance evaluations and professional development activities as requested.
• Participate in customer meetings, presentations, and packaging demonstrations alongside the Sales team.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, design specifications, testing records, and revision history.
• Stay current with packaging trends, materials, printing technologies, sustainability initiatives, and retail packaging requirements.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment while following all company safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the corrugated packaging industry with demonstrated knowledge of structural packaging design, manufacturing processes, and retail packaging requirements.
• Proficiency with ArtiosCAD, ArtiosCAD 3D, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook), Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat), and related design software.
• Strong understanding of corrugated packaging materials, converting processes, and manufacturing techniques.
• Working knowledge of offset lithographic and flexographic printing processes.
• Knowledge of rotary and flatbed die-cutting equipment and tooling principles.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with customers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Required Skills

• Structural Packaging Design
• Corrugated Display Design
• CAD Design and Dieline Development
• 3D Packaging Visualization
• Packaging Testing (ISTA & TAPPI Standards)
• Offset Lithographic & Flexographic Printing
• Rotary & Flatbed Die Cutting
• Manufacturing Process Optimization
• Adobe Creative Suite
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Problem Solving and Root Cause Analysis

Preferred Skills

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience supporting customer-facing sales presentations and packaging development projects.
• Knowledge of sustainable packaging design principles and packaging optimization.
• Previous leadership, mentoring, or project coordination experience.
• Formal leadership or supervisory training.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

We strive to create and maintain an inclusive and diverse workforce where everyone feels valued, respected, and included. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship, veteran status, gender identity or any other legally protected status.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of a job. York Container participates in E-Verify.