Graphic Designer / Packaging Expert

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Graphic Designer / Packaging Expert

Company: 52Launch

Location: Framingham, Massachusetts, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Marketing / Creative & Media / Art & Design

Date Posted: August 19, 2026

Experience Level: 5-10 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the conceptualization and execution of production-ready packaging designs for consumer products, ensuring brand consistency and market appeal.

• Develop and maintain robust visual systems, including color palettes, typography, and brand guidelines, applicable across diverse client brands.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product development, marketing, and production, to ensure seamless integration of design elements from concept to final delivery.

• Create high-quality, on-brand assets for various touchpoints, encompassing packaging, marketing collateral, digital platforms, and internal presentations.

📝 Enhancement Note: While the role is primarily focused on graphic and packaging design, the emphasis on "taking product ideas from concept to market" and handling "industrial design, sourcing, manufacturing, branding, and marketing" suggests a GTM (Go-To-Market) operations aspect, particularly in ensuring visual assets align with the broader product launch strategy. The requirement for an "AI-forward approach" indicates an expectation for leveraging modern tools and methodologies for efficiency and innovation in design processes.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design comprehensive packaging solutions from initial concept through final production, including artwork, dielines, inserts, and labels, specifically optimized for retail environments.

• Create compelling brand-aligned packaging that effectively balances aesthetic appeal with functional requirements and strategic market positioning.

• Conduct research and make informed selections of materials that meet performance specifications, cost targets, and sustainability objectives.

• Partner with design, marketing, and production teams to ensure packaging design aligns with product form, enhances the unboxing experience, and supports overall marketing goals.

• Guarantee adherence to all relevant safety, labeling, and environmental regulations for consumer product packaging.

• Prepare print-ready files, meticulously review proofs, and provide production support until final delivery.

• Develop prototypes and mock-ups to effectively visualize, test, and refine design concepts before mass production.

• Produce essential supporting assets such as instruction manuals, hang tags, and other collateral as required to complement product packaging.

• Provide creative support for broader graphic design needs, including logo design, branding initiatives, pitch decks, one-pagers, and other marketing graphics for a portfolio of client brands.

• Develop structured and scalable color palettes, typography systems, and formalized brand guidelines to ensure visual consistency across all brand touchpoints.

• Generate high-quality, on-brand assets for packaging, marketing collateral, and digital platforms, ensuring visual integrity.

• Collaborate cross-functionally to guarantee consistent and accurate brand application across all client projects and internal initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong connection to GTM operations by requiring the designer to optimize packaging for retail, align with marketing objectives, and ensure regulatory compliance. The mention of "unboxing experience" and "consumer-ready visuals" points to the importance of the customer journey and brand perception, key GTM considerations. The "AI-forward approach" suggests an expectation for leveraging technology to streamline creative workflows and potentially analyze design effectiveness.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• A degree or certification in Graphic Design is preferred, demonstrating a foundational understanding of design theory and practice. Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of professional graphic design experience is required, with a significant focus on packaging design for consumer products.

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, drive timelines independently, and deliver production-ready work in a fast-paced environment. Required Skills:

• Expert proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, with a particular emphasis on Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop.

• Comprehensive understanding of packaging production processes, including dielines, print specifications, and file preparation for manufacturing.

• Deep knowledge of core design principles, including color theory, typography, and layout design.

• Demonstrated ability to translate brand strategy into cohesive, scalable, and consistent visual systems.

• Strong collaboration and communication skills, with the ability to interface directly with clients, founders, and marketing leaders.

• Experience working across multiple brands and adapting to diverse design styles. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with motion graphics or social media asset creation, indicating versatility in digital design.

• Familiarity with industrial design principles and manufacturing processes to better inform packaging solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for 5+ years of experience with a strong portfolio and expertise in Adobe Creative Suite, dielines, and print specs is standard for senior-level design roles. The emphasis on translating "brand strategy into cohesive and scalable visual systems" and working "across multiple brands" points to the need for strategic thinking and adaptability, crucial for GTM operations where brand consistency is paramount. The mention of an "AI-forward approach" suggests that candidates who can demonstrate how they leverage AI tools for design efficiency or ideation will be highly regarded.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A robust portfolio showcasing at least 5 years of graphic design experience, with a significant emphasis on consumer product packaging.

• Demonstrations of production-ready artwork, including dielines, inserts, and labels, optimized for retail environments.

• Examples of developed visual systems, including structured color palettes, typography, and formalized brand guidelines.

• Case studies or visual examples illustrating the translation of brand strategy into cohesive and scalable visual identities.

• Prototypes and mock-ups that visualize, test, and refine design concepts, showcasing the design iteration process.

• Evidence of successful collaboration with cross-functional teams (design, product development, marketing, production) on packaging projects. Process Documentation:

• Visual documentation of the packaging design process from concept to production, including file preparation and proofing stages.

• Examples of material research and selection criteria for packaging, demonstrating consideration for performance, cost, and sustainability.

• Case studies detailing the collaboration process with marketing and production teams to align packaging with product form, unboxing experience, and marketing objectives.

• Documentation of how regulatory compliance (safety, labeling, environmental) was integrated into the design process.

• Examples of creating print-ready files and managing production through final delivery, including proof review.

📝 Enhancement Note: The portfolio requirements are highly specific to demonstrating production-level packaging design skills and strategic brand system development. The inclusion of "process documentation" suggests an expectation for candidates to articulate their workflow, particularly how they manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and regulatory considerations. This aligns with GTM operations' need for documented, repeatable processes that ensure quality and efficiency in product launches. The "AI-forward approach" should ideally be reflected in how the candidate presents their process, perhaps showcasing AI-assisted workflows.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $60,000 – $80,000 annually (Exempt, Salaried)

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package with an individual and company performance-based bonus plan.

• Comprehensive health, dental, disability, and life insurance plans.

• Paid time off (accrued after the first 90 days) and paid holidays.

• IRA/retirement company contribution.

• Opportunities for professional growth within an expanding organization.

• Additional perks include company social events, branded apparel, and an dog-friendly office environment.

Working Hours: 40 hours per week (standard full-time).

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range of $60,000 - $80,000 annually for a Graphic Designer / Packaging Expert with 5+ years of experience in Framingham, MA, is within the expected market range for a mid-to-senior level role in a cost-of-living area like Massachusetts. This compensation reflects the specialized skills in packaging design and production readiness. The inclusion of a bonus plan and IRA contribution indicates a comprehensive benefits package. The "AI-forward approach" mentioned in the job description may influence compensation discussions if candidates can demonstrate significant efficiency gains or innovative use of AI.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Design & Technology Services, specializing in taking product ideas from concept to market. This includes industrial design, sourcing, manufacturing, branding, and marketing.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the context of a "team of builders, strategists, and creatives" and handling "every step: industrial design, sourcing, manufacturing, branding, and marketing; all integrated, all in-house" suggests a medium-sized, agile organization with specialized departments.

Founded: The founding date is not specified, but the company's operational model implies a mature business capable of offering full-service product development and launch support.

Team Structure:

• The Graphic Designer will report to the Director of Marketing, indicating a clear reporting line within the marketing department.

• The role involves close collaboration with other design, product development, and marketing teams, suggesting a matrixed or project-based team structure where cross-functional interaction is common.

• The company's full-service model implies strong integration between departments, fostering a collaborative environment. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: While not explicit for this design role, the company's "technology" arm and focus on taking products "from concept to market" implies a data-informed approach to product development and marketing strategies.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: The emphasis on integrated, in-house services suggests a focus on optimizing workflows to ensure efficiency and seamless project execution from ideation to launch.

• Automation & Efficiency: The explicit mention of an "AI-forward approach" indicates a commitment to leveraging technology and automation to enhance creative processes and client deliverables.

Company Website: https://52launch.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: 52Launch operates in a unique niche, combining creative design with product development and manufacturing. This suggests a culture that values tangible results, innovation, and a holistic approach to bringing products to market. The "AI-forward" aspect suggests a forward-thinking company that embraces new technologies to improve efficiency and client outcomes, a critical component in modern GTM operations.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a Senior Graphic Designer / Packaging Expert, indicating a mid-to-senior level position. It requires significant independent work, expertise in specialized areas (packaging production), and the ability to lead visual development for client projects.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Director of Marketing, placing it within the marketing function but with strong ties to product development and client-facing teams. This structure allows for direct influence on brand strategy and market presentation.

Operations Impact: The Graphic Designer's impact is directly tied to the success of client product launches. By creating compelling, on-brand packaging and marketing collateral, they influence consumer perception, market appeal, and ultimately, sales performance. Their ability to ensure production-ready files and regulatory compliance also mitigates risks and ensures smooth GTM execution.

Growth Opportunities:

• Operations Skill Advancement: Opportunities to deepen expertise in packaging production, material science, and regulatory compliance. Potential to lead packaging strategy for entire product lines.

• Learning & Development: Exposure to a wide range of consumer products and industries, fostering adaptability and broad design knowledge. The "AI-forward" mandate suggests opportunities to learn and implement AI tools in design workflows.

• Leadership Potential: Potential to grow into a Senior Art Director or lead designer role, overseeing multiple projects and mentoring junior designers. The ability to manage client relationships and present creative strategies could lead to client management or GTM strategy involvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth opportunities highlight a path for specialization in packaging and brand systems, which are crucial components of a GTM strategy. The encouragement to adopt an "AI-forward approach" positions this role as one where the employee can influence the adoption of new technologies, a key aspect of operational efficiency and innovation in GTM.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site in Framingham, MA. The description implies a collaborative, in-house environment where teams work together on tangible products.

Office Location(s): Framingham, Massachusetts, United States. This location offers access to the broader Boston metropolitan area's talent pool and business ecosystem.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The company emphasizes its integrated, in-house approach, suggesting a workspace designed for close collaboration between industrial design, engineering, marketing, and production teams.

• Operations Tools & Technology: Expect access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite), potentially prototyping tools, and any internal systems used for project management and client communication. The "AI-forward" directive suggests a willingness to invest in and utilize advanced design technologies.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities to interact directly with founders, marketing leaders, and client stakeholders, fostering direct communication and feedback loops essential for agile GTM processes.

Work Schedule: Standard full-time, 40 hours per week, with an exempt status. The fast-paced environment and tight deadlines suggest a need for flexibility and dedication.

📝 Enhancement Note: The on-site requirement and collaborative environment are typical for creative roles that benefit from in-person brainstorming and rapid iteration. The mention of "dogs allowed in office" and "company socials" indicates a culture that balances professionalism with a more relaxed, team-oriented atmosphere, which can be conducive to the dynamic nature of GTM operations.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess experience, skills, and alignment with requirements.

• Portfolio Review: A detailed review of the candidate's portfolio, focusing on packaging design expertise, production-readiness, and ability to translate brand strategy into visual systems. Expect to discuss specific projects, design decisions, and outcomes.

• Skills Assessment: Potential for a design challenge or case study related to packaging design, brand systems, or a hypothetical client scenario, assessing problem-solving abilities and technical proficiency.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Interviews with the Director of Marketing, other design team members, and potentially project managers or client leads to evaluate collaboration, communication skills, and cultural fit. Discussions may include how the candidate approaches an "AI-forward" workflow.

• Final Interview: Possibly with senior leadership to discuss overall fit, career aspirations, and alignment with the company's vision.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Showcase a diverse range of packaging projects, highlighting your best work and demonstrating your expertise in different product categories and brand styles.

• Emphasize Production Readiness: Clearly illustrate your understanding of dielines, print specifications, material considerations, and how you prepare files for manufacturing.

• Showcase Brand System Thinking: Include examples of how you develop and apply structured color palettes, typography, and brand guidelines consistently across various touchpoints.

• Detail Your Process: For key projects, briefly explain your design process, from initial brief to final execution, highlighting problem-solving, collaboration, and any innovative approaches (including AI if applicable).

• Quantify Impact: If possible, include metrics or outcomes related to your designs, such as improved shelf appeal, successful product launches, or efficiency gains from your workflows.

Challenge Preparation:

• Understand the Brief: Carefully analyze any design challenge or case study prompt, identifying key objectives, target audience, and constraints.

• Focus on Strategy: Demonstrate not just design execution but also strategic thinking. Explain the rationale behind your design choices and how they align with business goals.

• Time Management: Practice completing design tasks within simulated time constraints, as this is a critical skill in a fast-paced environment.

• Presentation Skills: Prepare to present your work clearly and concisely, articulating your process, design decisions, and how your solution addresses the challenge.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes a hands-on evaluation of design skills, strategic thinking, and collaborative capabilities. The explicit mention of an "AI-forward approach" suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss how they integrate AI into their design process, which is a key differentiator for GTM operations focused on efficiency and innovation.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for all design tasks.

  • Illustrator: For vector graphics, logos, and detailed artwork.
  • InDesign: For layout, typography, and creating multi-page documents like instruction manuals and pitch decks.
  • Photoshop: For image manipulation, retouching, and creating raster-based assets.

• Dieline Software/Tools: For creating and manipulating packaging dielines.

• Prototyping Tools: Software or physical methods for creating mock-ups and visualizing design concepts.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not a primary function, understanding how design impacts engagement or sales may involve basic familiarity with analytics platforms used for marketing collateral or digital assets. CRM & Automation:

• Experience with CRM systems is not directly required for this role, but understanding how branding and packaging support sales and marketing efforts is beneficial.

• Automation tools may be relevant if they assist in design workflows or asset management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The emphasis on Adobe Creative Suite, dielines, and prototyping tools is standard for a packaging designer. The mention of an "AI-forward approach" implies that the company is open to or actively using AI-powered design tools, generative AI platforms for ideation, or automation software that streamlines repetitive design tasks. Candidates who can showcase proficiency or curiosity in these areas will be highly valued.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• High Standards & Precision: A commitment to exceptionally high standards, ensuring clients "get it right" and delivering polished, production-ready work.

• Client Focus & Partnership: Acting as a trusted partner to entrepreneurs and growing businesses, handling all steps from concept to market with integrated, in-house expertise.

• Tangible Results & Execution: A focus on delivering work that is "tangible," meaning products and designs that move from concept to market successfully.

• Innovation & Adaptability: Embracing diverse projects and a "no two projects look the same," requiring designers to be adaptable and innovative. The "AI-forward" approach underscores a commitment to modern, efficient practices.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Working as a "team of builders, strategists, and creatives" who support each other to achieve client goals.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working closely with design, product development, and marketing teams to ensure cohesive product development and launch strategies.

• Direct Communication: Comfortable interfacing directly with founders and marketing leaders, fostering open dialogue and efficient decision-making.

• Systems Thinking: Approaching design from a "systems perspective," ensuring all visual elements work cohesively across different formats and touchpoints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture values a blend of creative excellence, rigorous execution, and client partnership. The "AI-forward" directive suggests a culture that is open to adopting new technologies to enhance efficiency and innovation, a key characteristic of forward-thinking GTM operations.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Multiple Brands: The need to work across diverse client brands and design styles simultaneously requires strong organizational skills and adaptability.

• Production Realities: Ensuring designs are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, cost-effective, sustainable, and compliant with regulations.

• Fast-Paced Environment: Managing numerous projects with tight deadlines and pivoting quickly between tasks.

• Integrating AI: Effectively incorporating AI tools into the design process to enhance efficiency and creativity, while maintaining quality and originality.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Specialized Packaging Expertise: Deepen knowledge in materials, manufacturing processes, sustainability, and regulatory compliance for packaging.

• Brand System Development: Gain extensive experience in building and managing comprehensive brand identities for a variety of clients.

• AI-Driven Design: Opportunity to explore and implement AI tools for ideation, asset creation, and workflow optimization, becoming proficient in future-forward design methodologies.

• Cross-Functional Exposure: Learn about industrial design, product development, and marketing strategies, broadening understanding of the full product lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges and growth opportunities highlight the dynamic nature of working in a full-service product development agency. The explicit mention of AI integration presents a significant growth opportunity for designers looking to stay at the forefront of technological advancements in creative fields, directly impacting their ability to contribute to efficient GTM operations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex packaging project you managed from concept to production. What were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?" (Focus on process, collaboration, and problem-solving, highlighting production readiness and regulatory considerations).

• "How do you approach developing a cohesive visual system for a brand that needs to extend across packaging, digital, and marketing collateral?" (Discuss your methodology for creating brand guidelines, color palettes, and typography systems).

• "Can you provide an example of how you've used AI tools or innovative technologies to enhance your design process or deliverables?" (Be prepared to discuss specific AI applications, benefits, and any challenges encountered). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What attracts you to 52Launch's integrated model of taking products from concept to market?" (Show understanding of their full-service offering and how your design role fits in).

• "How do you ensure brand consistency when working across multiple, distinct client brands?" (Discuss your organizational methods and strategic approach to brand management).

• "Describe your experience collaborating with cross-functional teams like product development and marketing. How do you ensure alignment on creative goals?" (Highlight communication skills and understanding of GTM objectives). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type (packaging, branding) or by client.

• Narrative: For each key project, tell a story: the client's need, your design process, key decisions, challenges, and the final outcome.

• Highlight Production: Explicitly point out examples of production-ready files, dielines, and your understanding of manufacturing constraints.

• Showcase Systems: Dedicate space to demonstrating your ability to create and apply comprehensive brand systems.

• AI Integration: If you have examples of AI use, integrate them naturally into your project narratives to showcase your forward-thinking approach.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your portfolio efficiently, focusing on the most relevant and impactful work.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a blend of technical design expertise, strategic thinking, and an embrace of modern workflows, including AI. The ability to articulate how design contributes to a successful product launch and market presence is key, aligning with the broader GTM objectives of the company.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Graphic Designer / Packaging Expert position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the 52Launch careers portal.

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your portfolio to prominently feature your strongest packaging design work, emphasizing production-readiness and strategic brand system development. Include examples that showcase your ability to work across diverse brands and potentially highlight any innovative or AI-assisted design processes.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly outlines your 5+ years of experience, highlighting specific achievements in packaging design, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and experience with dielines and print production. Use keywords from the job description, such as "packaging expert," "brand systems," and "production-ready files."

• Interview Preparation: Practice presenting your portfolio, articulating your design process, and answering strategic questions about branding, production, and collaboration. Be ready to discuss your "AI-forward approach" and how you see it benefiting 52Launch and its clients.

• Company Research: Familiarize yourself with 52Launch's integrated model and review their website and any available client case studies to understand their approach to product development and marketing. Prepare to discuss how your skills align with their mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.