Structural Designer

Position: Designer (AG) Location: Salinas CA Salary Range: $75K-$90K Summary: The designer is responsible for the creation of cost-effective, structurally sound packaging and artwork. The role includes designing and redesigning elements for improved cost, performance, and functionality while providing technical support to internal teams (Sales, Production and Customer Service) as well as our clients. The ideal candidate will have experience in packaging design, graphic artistry, and solid understanding of materials and manufacturing processes and proficiency in design tools such as ArtiosCAD, TOPS and both cutting and printing dies. The Designer serves as a technical resource for customers and internal stakeholders and develops innovative corrugated packaging solutions for agricultural, industrial, retail, and consumer markets. Key Responsibilities: - Design packaging solutions for corrugated boxes and other materials - Collaborate with Sales to understand client needs and provide customized solutions - Develop designs based on appearance, functionality, serviceability, materials, production methods and client*retail specifications - Use ArtiosCAD, TOPS and other software to create detailed designs and prototypes - Prepare working drawings from sketches, products, machine specifications and designs - Inspect and construct packaging samples to ensure final product meets requirements - Present design concepts to clients, either individually or in collaboration with Sales - Generating Bills of Materials, drawing specifications, pallet layouts, die lines, art cards as well as be able to analyze paper and do standard box testing - Manage tight deadlines and work outside regular hours to meet client and production needs - Additional tasks and projects assigned to you from supervisor/manager - Design and engineer corrugated trays, bins, produce boxes, retail-ready packaging and custom structural packaging. - Analyze existing packaging designs to reduce material costs, improve performance, optimize pallet utilization and increase manufacturing efficiency. - Meet with customers and Sales representatives to identify packaging challenges and develop customized solutions. - Evaluate board grades, flute profiles, compression requirements, ventilation requirements, moisture resistance needs and distribution conditions. - Work closely with Operations to ensure designs are compatible with plant equipment and profitability objectives. Qualifications: - Bachelor's degree preferred - Minimum of 4 years of packaging, preferrable in the AG industry - Comprehensive knowledge of the design process from concept to production - Strong understanding of costing system and manufacturing processes to optimize profitability and compatibility with production equipment - Familiarity with ISTA testing requirements for packaging - Proficiency with Illustrator, Photshop and 3D design tools is a plus - Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written - Strong organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize tasks effectively - Team oriented with ability to collaborate across departments - Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills - Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously - Positive, can-do attitude with a focus on delving high-quality work - Familiarity with ArtiosCAD, TOPS, Kongsberg Table, Lansmont Compression Tester and other design tools - Knowledge of Microsoft and Window Office programs - Background in graphics, inks, and color concepts is beneficial - Experience with agricultural and fresh produce packaging preferred. - Knowledge of corrugated manufacturing processes, flexographic printing, die-cutting equipment, board combinations and flute profiles preferred. - Knowledge of graphics, inks and color management concepts preferred. Work Environment: - Exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet conditions and vibrations - Occasional exposure to heights, fumes and airborne particles - The noise level is usually loud and lifting materials up to 65lbs required Physical Demands: - Regularly required to stand, walk and communicate - Ability to lift and move up to 65lbs and occasionally 100lbs - Must be able to work in environments with noise, mechanical parts, humidity and other physical demands Work Environment: - Exposure to moving mechanical parts, wet conditions and vibrations - Occasional exposure to heights, fumes and airborne particles - The noise level is usually loud and lifting materials up to 65lbs required Physical Demands: - Regularly required to stand, walk and communicate - Ability to lift and move up to 65lbs and occasionally 100lbs - Must be able to work in environments with noise, mechanical parts, humidity and other physical demands External & Internal Applicants