Structure & Design Specialist - Folding Carton / Packaging

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

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

Company
Accurate Paper Box is a privately held business located in Knoxville, TN, and 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 plays a critical role in translating customer concepts into manufacturable, high-quality folding carton solutions. This role requires both technical knowledge of packaging substrates and production capabilities, as well as creative design acumen. The ideal candidate will have 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: Ability to 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/Perks

• Competitive Salary
• Performance-Based Bonus Opportunities
• 401K 
• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Supportive team environment with a focus on quality, innovation, and continuous improvement