Creative Structural Designer Jobs

Position Title: Creative Structural Designer

Reports to: Director, Global Innovation & Design

Location: Atlanta, GA

MISSION / SUMMARY:

The Mission of the Innovation and Design department is to develop new packaging solutions through creative structural design, that are desirable, feasible, and viable. Collaboratively working within the I&D department with Sales, Marketing, Business Development and R&D, to ensure success through all phases of development.

As a Creative Structural Designer II, you will get to work with some of the largest consumer product, food service, and beverage companies in the world; inspiring and bringing to life new and innovative solutions to help launch new products and solve challenging problems. At Graphic Packaging, we truly value innovation and pride ourselves in creating packaging solutions that change the world. The Innovation & Design department is part of the Global Innovation & New Business organization that reports directly to the CEO. This position will allow you the opportunity to work on global initiatives with teams across the world.

The Creative Structural Designer III position requires extensive knowledge of folding carton packaging design (corrugate design experience a plus), package life cycle, converting processes, high speed packaging machinery, and feature/performance testing. This person will understand and align business operations and design as he/she executes their role to exceed customer expectations and align with GPI business, cultural, financial, and operational objectives.

This position is based in an office environment due to the tools required for sample making, testing and collaboration. However, Graphic Packaging is currently flexible in allowing a hybrid work schedule when feasible. More information is available upon request.

Lastly, we do encourage candidates who have less experience than outlined below to still apply.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (including but not limited to the following)

Structural Design:

• Team members are responsible for accurately closing out projects and efficiently communicating completed work to team members, Sales and Design Management.
• Our designers are trained in developing solutions that adhere to the standards of our design organization, GPI production plants, customers and the packaging industry.
• The ability to take professional quality photographs of samples for presentations is a priority.
• In-depth interaction with customer representatives during the Package Design process.
• Ability to develop proprietary solutions, in which invention disclosures/patents can be applied for, to build the GPI Innovation funnel for future growth.
• Designers must coordinate with our testing lab to review testing requirements and data reports when necessary.
• Attend machinery check-out testing, or other design validation testing events, to assess, modify or approve carton designs as necessary for responsible product line.
• Other duties as assigned.
• Creating well organized design files that assist in the transition between departments and team members is required. Each designer must accurately finalize one-up carton design specifications prior to release to converting and machinery organizations.
• As a member of our team, you are responsible for managing your time across various tasks including design meetings, ideation, programming, testing, sample cutting & assembly, file prep, photography and project completion.
• Possess the ability to be proactive in developing alternative designs for better form & function, on shelf appearance, sustainability, increased production efficiency, cost savings and/or margin improvement.
• Train & mentor less experienced designers in Carton Design disciplines and procedures.
• The ability to submit rough sketches for quick idea generation is ideal.
• Function as an effective global leader and focal point for design-related detail and general communication when leading a project. Produce materials to support the communication process when required.

Software Use:

• Full understanding and utilization of the Artios CAD (or similar CAD system) including 3D.

• Utilize and follow department / company templates to provide presentation slides that include high-quality photography, adherence to slide formatting and other relevant resource materials.
• Proficient communication skills utilizing digital interfacing platforms.

• Uploading of completed design specs into GPI Operations software.
• CAPE, TOPS or similar pallet building program experience is a plus.
• Comply with project time tracking using time management software.

Teamwork:

• Team members will assist each other in projects requiring tight turn times through plotter sample help, design help and review, deck building, etc.
• The foundation of the creative design team is rooted in teamwork, with members proactively communicating and coordinating on projects that require assistance.
• Designers must share knowledge across the organization by proactively communicating new developments. This includes invention record filings, internal and external patent findings, new manufacturing techniques and interesting market observations.
• Creating, maintaining and nurturing relationships with design managers, team members, customer, sales, customer service, manufacturing design and carton converting groups is required.

OTHER:

Education / Knowledge / Skills:

• Detailed experience of packaging design, packaging machinery, carton converting operations, and carton testing for designated product line(s).
• 6 years of experience in Carton Design disciplines or similar
• Industrial Design, Packaging Engineering / Science, or similar disciplinary degree preferred.

Schedule Demands:

General schedule is an 8-hour M-F assignment, however, employee must be willing to work alternate schedules occasionally; that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so. Occasional overnight travel to include flying, driving, riding or by rail.

Physical Demands:

• Reading computer screen or other electronic devices
• Occasional lifting up to 20 lbs.
• Use of various office hand and electrical tools or equipment
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time up to 8-hours

Required Skills

Education / Knowledge / Skills:

• Detailed experience of packaging design, packaging machinery, carton converting operations, and carton testing for designated product line(s).
• 6 years of experience in Carton Design disciplines or similar
• Industrial Design, Packaging Engineering / Science, or similar disciplinary degree preferred.

Required Experience

At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities. With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful. If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you. Learn more about us at www.graphicpkg.com.
Inspired Packaging. A World of Difference.

Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Click here to view the Poster, EEO is the Law.