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Structure & Design Specialist – Folding Carton / Packaging

Accurate Paper Box

Knoxville, TN

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JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Adobe Illustrator, Brand Marketing (Branding), Budgeting, Continuous Improvement, Cost Control, Creative Design, Cross-Functional, Customer Support/Service, Dental Insurance, Design Services, Detail Oriented, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Establish Priorities, Health Insurance, Industrial Design, Management of Information Systems/Technology (MIS), Mentoring, Metal Cutting, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Outlook, Mock Up, Multitasking, Operational Support, Organizational Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Record Keeping, Sales, Sales Presentation, Software Design, Sustainability, Team Player, Technical/Engineering Design, Thought Leadership, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Vision Plan
LOCATION
Knoxville, TN
POSTED
30+ days ago
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

About the Company

A

Accurate Paper Box