Structural Designer

Job Description

Job Description

 

Structural Designer

PFI InStore – Butler Division

Job Summary

The Structural Designer develops innovative, functional, and manufacturable solutions for custom retail displays, merchandising fixtures, POP programs, and in-store applications. This role works with Sales, Product Management, Industrial Design, Engineering, Production, and customers to turn concepts and requirements into production-ready designs.

The ideal candidate balances function, structural performance, aesthetics, manufacturability, cost, materials, and customer requirements from concept through prototyping and production.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop structural designs for retail displays, fixtures, merchandising systems, packaging, and other in-store solutions using materials such as corrugated, plastics, foam board, wood, metal, and printed substrates.
• Translate concepts, sketches, and customer requirements into detailed, production-ready designs.
• Create and modify 2D drawings, dielines, layouts, and 3D CAD models .
• Evaluate designs for structural integrity, functionality, material selection, manufacturability, assembly, shipping, installation, cost, and retail application.
• Develop prototypes and samples to test fit, form, function, durability, and assembly.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Production, Sales, Product Management, and customers to resolve design challenges and improve manufacturability, quality, and cost.
• Participate in Product Development Meetings (PDMs) and design reviews.
• Design components that integrate with graphics, branding, hardware, lighting, shelving, and other merchandising elements.
• Maintain accurate project files, drawings, specifications, revisions, and documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve existing products, standardize components, reduce material usage, and increase efficiency.
• Support customer presentations through renderings, layouts, and other visual communication tools.
• Stay current with materials, manufacturing processes, retail trends, and structural design techniques.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Structural Design, Engineering, Architecture, Packaging Design, or related field preferred.
• 2–4 years of experience in structural design, product design, packaging, retail displays, fixture design, or manufacturing.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment and retail/POP applications preferred.
• Proficiency with 2D drafting and 3D CAD software ; SOLIDWORKS preferred.
• Experience creating production drawings, die lines, prototypes, and structural specifications.
• Familiarity with corrugated, plastics, wood, metal, CNC, die cutting, printing, fabrication, and related processes preferred.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud , particularly Illustrator and Photoshop.
• Strong 3D visualization, spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a collaborative environment.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to incorporate feedback.
• Customer-focused mindset with an understanding of quality, cost, manufacturability, and company capabilities.

Physical & Work Environment

Primarily an office/design environment with regular interaction with manufacturing and production areas. The position requires extended computer use, as well as occasional standing, walking, and handling of prototypes and materials. Some travel may be required for customer meetings, trade shows, or production facilities.

EOE