Structure & Design Specialist Folding Carton / Packaging

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