Structure Designer

smartdept. is searching for a Structural Designer for a packaging company located in Kansas City, MO. The ideal candidate will come with 1–3 years of experience in packaging design. This is a full-time, onsite opportunity with occasional remote flexibility. 

The Structural Designer develops packaging and display solutions that meet the needs of both customers and retailers. This role determines the physical form and technical specifications for projects from concept through final execution, with a primary focus on corrugated materials. Designers balance structural integrity, manufacturing efficiency, end-user experience, and retail visual appeal while working closely with sales, project management, graphics, and production teams.

What You’ll Do:

• Collaborate closely with Sales and Project Management teams to execute customer design requests

• Develop structural designs for new packaging and display concepts

• Optimize customer-provided dielines to ensure they meet manufacturing standards

• Develop and maintain CAD files within ArtiosCAD and WebCenter

• Design packaging for distribution and retail environments while considering retailer style guides and shopper experience

• Set specifications that support manufacturability and machine efficiency

• Utilize palletization software (CAPE) to develop pallet guides

• Partner with Production teams on technical specifications and machine routing

• Work with Graphics teams to develop 3D renderings and prepare dielines for artwork setup

• Create and ship physical samples during the design development phase

What You’ll Need:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication Design, Industrial Design, or Packaging Engineering

• 1–3 years of experience in packaging design

• Experience using Esko ArtiosCAD or other CAD software

Nice-to-Have Skills:

• Corrugated industry experience

• Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator and Microsoft Office programs

• Experience with Esko, WebCenter, and Encore (project management software)

• Basic understanding of print terminology