What are the responsibilities and job description for the Structure & Design Specialist – Folding Carton / Packaging position at Accurate Paper Box?
Benefits:
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
- 401(k)
- Bonus based on performance
- Competitive salary
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Opportunity for advancement
- Paid time off
- Training & development
- Vision insurance
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Required: Bachelor’s degree in Packaging Science, Industrial Design, Structural Design, or a related discipline from an accredited university
- 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