Structural Graphic Designer

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Structural Graphic Designer

Company: YORK CONTAINER COMPANY MIDWEST

Location: Elgin, Illinois, USA

Job Type: Full-time

Category: Operations - Manufacturing & Design

Date Posted: 2026-07-27

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• Design and develop innovative, cost-effective structural packaging and custom display solutions for the corrugated packaging industry, balancing customer, retailer, and manufacturing requirements.

• Collaborate closely with Sales, Production, Manufacturing, and Customers to ensure designs are functional, visually appealing, manufacturable, and compliant with industry standards.

• Provide technical guidance and support continuous improvement initiatives within the design and production processes.

• Manage multiple structural design projects from concept through to production-ready files, ensuring quality, accuracy, and on-time delivery.

• Conduct package testing and troubleshoot design-related production challenges to minimize recurring problems and ensure optimal performance.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom corrugated packaging, point-of-purchase displays, and retail-ready packaging solutions that meet customer specifications and manufacturing capabilities.

• Manage and prioritize multiple structural design projects simultaneously, ensuring high quality, accuracy, and on-time completion of all deliverables.

• Create detailed structural layouts, CAD drawings, 3D renderings, prototypes, and production-ready files using industry-standard software such as ArtiosCAD.

• Collaborate effectively with customers, Sales, Production, and Manufacturing teams to engineer innovative packaging solutions that optimize performance, aesthetics, and cost efficiency.

• Review project requirements meticulously to ensure strict compliance with customer specifications, retailer guidelines, and internal manufacturing standards.

• Coordinate and oversee outsourced digital printing projects, ensuring seamless integration with the overall packaging design and production workflow.

• Perform package testing in accordance with TAPPI and ISTA testing standards to validate design integrity and performance under various conditions.

• Support production teams during new product launches, line trials, and manufacturing startups by troubleshooting structural or design-related issues and implementing effective corrective actions.

• Travel to customer facilities as needed to conduct production line trials, assist with package implementation, and resolve any packaging performance concerns firsthand.

• Investigate design-related production issues thoroughly and develop robust preventive solutions to minimize the occurrence of recurring problems.

• Assist in training and mentoring junior design personnel on structural design standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives, fostering knowledge transfer.

• Participate in customer meetings and packaging demonstrations alongside the Sales team, articulating design solutions and technical benefits clearly.

• Maintain accurate and organized project documentation, including design specifications, testing records, and revision history for comprehensive project traceability.

• Stay current with the latest packaging trends, materials, printing technologies, sustainability initiatives, and evolving retail packaging requirements to maintain a competitive edge.

• Maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment, strictly adhering to all company safety policies and procedures.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience in the corrugated packaging industry, with a strong understanding of structural packaging design, manufacturing processes, and retail packaging requirements.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency with ArtiosCAD, ArtiosCAD 3D, and related structural packaging design software.

• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop, Acrobat) for graphic integration and file preparation.

• Strong understanding of corrugated packaging materials, converting processes, and manufacturing techniques.

• Working knowledge of offset lithographic and flexographic printing processes.

• Knowledge of rotary and flatbed die-cutting equipment and tooling principles.

• Excellent mechanical aptitude with robust troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills for effective cross-departmental and customer collaboration.

• Superior organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet demanding deadlines.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook). Preferred Skills:

• Experience supporting customer-facing sales presentations and packaging development projects.

• Knowledge of sustainable packaging design principles and packaging optimization strategies.

• Previous leadership, mentoring, or project coordination experience within a design or manufacturing team.

• Formal leadership or supervisory training.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "5-10 years" experience level is inferred from the requirement of 5 years minimum experience and the mention of preferred leadership/mentoring experience, suggesting a mid-to-senior level role. The emphasis on both structural design and graphic application points to a hybrid role requiring a blend of technical and creative skills.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 3-5 diverse projects demonstrating expertise in structural packaging design for corrugated materials.

• Include comprehensive case studies detailing the design process, challenges encountered, solutions implemented, and measurable outcomes (e.g., cost savings, improved performance, enhanced aesthetics).

• Highlight proficiency in CAD software (ArtiosCAD) through detailed dielines, 3D renderings, and prototype visuals.

• Present examples of how graphic design elements were integrated into structural packaging solutions, demonstrating collaboration or direct application.

• Quantify achievements where possible, such as reductions in material usage, improved shipping efficiency, or enhanced in-store display impact. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation of a structured design process from initial client brief or sales input through to production-ready files.

• Illustrate experience in documenting and adhering to manufacturing constraints and material specifications.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how to document packaging testing procedures and results, referencing ISTA/TAPPI standards where applicable.

• Detail your approach to problem-solving and root cause analysis for design-related production issues, including preventive action documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Given the role's focus on both structural engineering and graphic design within a manufacturing context, a portfolio demonstrating a structured approach to problem-solving, material understanding, and effective communication of design intent is crucial. The inclusion of testing standards and manufacturing collaboration indicates a need for process-oriented documentation.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $85,000 - $105,000 annually. This range is competitive for a Structural Graphic Designer with 5+ years of experience in the manufacturing and design sector, particularly in the Chicago metropolitan area, reflecting the required technical expertise and responsibilities.

Benefits:

• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive health insurance (PPO and HDHP plans available), dental insurance, and vision insurance.

• Financial Security: Life insurance coverage.

• Employee Support: Access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.

• Growth & Development: Employee Referral Program and Tuition Reimbursement opportunities.

• Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and 9 paid holidays per year.

Working Hours: This is a full-time, salaried position. The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Occasional extended hours may be required to meet project deadlines, customer commitments, production schedules, or other operational needs, indicating flexibility is expected.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific and aligns with industry benchmarks for a specialized design role in a manufacturing environment with significant responsibilities. The benefits package is comprehensive, offering strong support for financial well-being, health, and professional development, which are key attractors for experienced professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Corrugated Packaging Manufacturing. York Container Company Midwest operates within a critical segment of the supply chain, providing essential packaging solutions that require a blend of technical precision, design innovation, and robust manufacturing capabilities.

Company Size: While not explicitly stated, the mention of "York MW (IL) - Elgin, IL" suggests a significant operational presence, likely part of a larger organization given the "Midwest" designation. This implies a structured corporate environment with established processes and cross-functional teams.

Founded: The founding date is not provided, but the company's established presence in the industry suggests a history of growth and adaptation, likely built upon core operational principles and customer relationships.

Team Structure:

• The Structural Graphic Designer reports to the Director of Sales, indicating a strong link between design capabilities and revenue generation, and a need for close collaboration with the sales team.

• The role requires frequent interaction with Production and Manufacturing teams, highlighting a cross-functional operational structure where design directly influences and is influenced by production realities.

• Mentoring responsibilities suggest a team environment where knowledge sharing and skill development are encouraged, potentially involving interaction with junior designers or support staff. Methodology:

• Data-Driven Design: Emphasis on meeting customer specifications, retailer guidelines, and manufacturing standards implies a data-informed approach to design, utilizing performance metrics and technical data.

• Process Optimization: The role involves supporting continuous improvement, troubleshooting production issues, and developing preventive solutions, indicating a focus on optimizing workflows and manufacturing efficiency.

• Collaborative Development: Close collaboration with Sales, Production, Manufacturing, and Customers is central, underscoring a team-oriented methodology where diverse perspectives contribute to successful project outcomes.

Company Website: yorkcontainer.com

📝 Enhancement Note: The reporting structure to the Director of Sales is a key indicator of how this design role is perceived within the company – as a critical enabler of sales success through innovative and practical packaging solutions. The emphasis on "Always Meet Customers' Expectations" and "Work as One Team" suggests a customer-centric and collaborative operational philosophy.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is positioned as a mid-to-senior level role, demanding a minimum of five years of specialized experience in corrugated packaging design. It requires a blend of technical design software proficiency, understanding of manufacturing processes, and problem-solving skills, with potential for leadership through mentoring.

Reporting Structure: Reporting to the Director of Sales signifies a strategic role that directly supports commercial objectives. This provides visibility into sales pipelines, customer needs, and market trends, offering a unique perspective on the business.

Operations Impact: The Structural Graphic Designer's work directly impacts revenue by developing cost-effective, appealing, and functional packaging solutions that meet customer demands and enhance product presentation. Their ability to troubleshoot and optimize designs also contributes to manufacturing efficiency and cost reduction, positively affecting the company's bottom line.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization: Deepen expertise in advanced structural design, materials science, or specific printing/converting technologies.

• Leadership Development: Progress into roles with formal supervisory responsibilities, project management, or team leadership within the design department, leveraging mentoring experience.

• Cross-Functional Advancement: Transition into roles within sales support, product development, or manufacturing process improvement, utilizing a comprehensive understanding of the packaging lifecycle.

• Industry Expertise: Become a subject matter expert in areas like sustainable packaging, retail compliance, or advanced visualization techniques, potentially leading to external recognition or consulting opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The reporting line to the Director of Sales suggests that career progression might also involve a closer alignment with commercial strategy, potentially leading to roles focused on market analysis, new product introduction, or key account management from a design-solutions perspective.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates primarily in an office environment, indicating a professional workspace equipped for design and administrative tasks. However, there is frequent interaction within a manufacturing facility.

Office Location(s): Elgin, Illinois. This location places the role within the greater Chicago metropolitan area, offering access to a significant industrial and commercial hub. The specific address is 2601 Mason RD, Elgin, IL 60124.

Workspace Context:

• Design Hub: The office workspace will be equipped with necessary computer hardware, design software (ArtiosCAD, Adobe Suite), and related peripherals for detailed design work.

• Manufacturing Integration: Frequent presence on the manufacturing floor requires adaptability and adherence to safety protocols, including wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as safety glasses and hearing protection. This offers direct exposure to production processes and challenges.

• Collaborative Spaces: The environment likely supports collaboration with Sales, Production, and Manufacturing teams, potentially through shared project spaces, meeting rooms, or informal interaction areas.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time salaried, with a standard Monday-Friday schedule. However, the nature of manufacturing and customer support demands flexibility, with potential for extended hours to meet project deadlines or address urgent production needs. This allows for a dynamic work rhythm, balancing focused design time with responsive operational support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The blend of office and manufacturing environments is a key characteristic of this role. Candidates should be comfortable transitioning between detailed CAD work and the more dynamic, potentially noisy, and physically demanding environment of a production floor. This dual exposure is crucial for developing practical, manufacturable designs.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Likely involves a review of your resume and portfolio to assess technical skills, experience, and alignment with company requirements.

• Technical Interview: Expect in-depth questions about your experience with ArtiosCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, corrugated packaging design principles, and manufacturing processes. Be prepared to discuss specific projects and challenges.

• Portfolio Presentation: A key stage will involve presenting your portfolio, showcasing your best work, and articulating your design process, problem-solving approach, and the impact of your solutions.

• Cross-functional Interviews: You may meet with members of the Sales, Production, or Manufacturing teams to assess your collaborative abilities and understanding of their perspectives.

• Final Interview: Likely with the Director of Sales or other senior leadership to discuss overall fit, strategic thinking, and alignment with company values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your structural design expertise, graphic integration skills, and experience with corrugated materials. Prioritize projects that demonstrate problem-solving and quantifiable results.

• Structure Your Narrative: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your design solution, the tools/processes used (mentioning ArtiosCAD, Adobe Suite, ISTA/TAPPI standards), challenges faced, and the outcome/impact.

• Highlight Manufacturing Feasibility: Emphasize how your designs consider manufacturing constraints, material properties, and cost-effectiveness. Include visuals of prototypes and, if possible, production samples.

• Demonstrate Collaboration: If applicable, highlight instances where you collaborated with sales or production teams to refine designs.

• Be Ready for Technical Deep-Dives: Prepare to discuss specific technical aspects of your designs, software functionalities, and testing methodologies.

Challenge Preparation:

• Design Scenario: You might be given a hypothetical packaging challenge and asked to outline your approach, key considerations, and potential solutions. Focus on your process and rationale.

• Software Proficiency Test: There could be a practical exercise to assess your proficiency in ArtiosCAD or Adobe Illustrator.

• Problem-Solving Exercise: Be ready to analyze a design-related production issue and propose troubleshooting steps and long-term solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process heavily emphasizes practical application and portfolio demonstration. Candidates should prepare to not just talk about their experience but to visually and verbally walk through their design journey, highlighting how they translate creative concepts into manufacturable realities within the corrugated packaging industry.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Structural Design: ArtiosCAD, ArtiosCAD 3D (essential for creating structural layouts, dielines, and 3D models).

• Graphic Design & File Prep: Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator for vector graphics and dieline integration, Photoshop for rendering and mockups, Acrobat for PDF finalization).

• Productivity Software: Microsoft Office Suite (Word for documentation, Excel for data analysis and cost tracking, Outlook for communication).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly listed as primary tools, Excel will likely be used for basic data analysis related to project tracking, material usage, and cost comparisons.

• Understanding of reporting requirements for sales and production feedback is crucial. CRM & Automation:

• No specific CRM or automation tools are mentioned for this role, suggesting the focus is on design software and direct collaboration rather than system administration.

• However, familiarity with how design files integrate into ERP or production planning systems would be beneficial.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core technology stack is clearly defined by ArtiosCAD and the Adobe Creative Suite, underscoring the critical need for proficiency in these industry-standard tools for structural and graphic design in packaging.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Exceptional Customer Experiences... always: This value implies a commitment to understanding and meeting customer needs through high-quality, innovative, and reliable packaging solutions.

• Work as One Team: Emphasizes collaboration, mutual support, and effective communication across departments (Sales, Production, Manufacturing) to achieve common goals.

• Our people are our Family: Suggests a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees are valued and treated with respect.

• Your word is your Bond: Highlights integrity, reliability, and accountability in all commitments and interactions.

• Think and act as an Owner: Encourages initiative, responsibility, and a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvement.

• Environmental Leadership: Points to a company commitment to sustainability in its operations and product offerings.

Collaboration Style:

• Sales-Driven Design: The reporting structure to Sales suggests a collaborative style focused on supporting commercial objectives and translating customer needs into tangible design solutions.

• Production-Centric Problem Solving: The need to troubleshoot on the production floor implies a pragmatic and hands-on collaborative approach, working directly with manufacturing personnel to resolve issues.

• Cross-Functional Communication: Expect a dynamic environment requiring clear, concise, and timely communication with various departments to ensure seamless project execution from concept to delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's core values, particularly "Exceptional Customer Experiences" and "Work as One Team," strongly indicate a culture that prioritizes client satisfaction and internal synergy. Candidates who can demonstrate collaborative problem-solving and a customer-first mindset will likely align well with this environment.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Design Innovation with Manufacturing Constraints: Developing creative, appealing packaging that is also cost-effective and efficiently manufacturable on existing equipment.

• Managing Multiple Project Demands: Juggling numerous design projects with varying deadlines and complexities, requiring strong prioritization and time management skills.

• Troubleshooting Production Issues: Diagnosing and resolving design-related problems that arise during manufacturing or on customer lines, often under pressure.

• Staying Current with Industry Trends: Keeping pace with new materials, printing technologies, sustainability requirements, and retail display innovations.

• Effective Cross-Functional Communication: Bridging the gap between sales expectations, design possibilities, and manufacturing realities.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Deepen Technical Expertise: Advanced training in ArtiosCAD features, 3D rendering techniques, or specialized packaging materials.

• Expand Manufacturing Knowledge: Gain a more in-depth understanding of specific printing (flexo, litho) and converting (die-cutting) processes.

• Sustainability Focus: Develop expertise in eco-friendly packaging design and material sourcing.

• Customer Engagement: Enhance skills in presenting design solutions and participating in client-facing meetings and product trials.

• Mentorship and Leadership: Develop leadership capabilities through training junior designers and potentially taking on project management responsibilities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for a structural designer in a manufacturing setting, requiring a blend of technical skill, adaptability, and strong interpersonal capabilities. The growth opportunities highlight pathways for both technical deepening and broader operational involvement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you had to balance a client's ambitious design request with manufacturing limitations. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on your problem-solving process, communication, and compromise).

• "Walk me through your design process for a complex corrugated display. What software do you use, and what key considerations do you prioritize?" (Highlight your use of ArtiosCAD, Adobe Suite, and understanding of structural integrity, branding, and retail requirements).

• "How do you ensure your packaging designs meet ISTA/TAPPI testing standards and what is your experience with performing or interpreting these tests?" (Demonstrate technical knowledge and attention to detail).

• "How do you stay updated on new packaging materials, technologies, and sustainability trends?" (Showcase your proactive learning approach). Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about York Container Company Midwest and our place in the corrugated packaging industry?" (Research their products, services, and market position).

• "How do you embody our core value of 'Work as One Team' in your daily interactions?" (Provide examples of cross-functional collaboration and support).

• "Describe a situation where you had to 'Think and act as an Owner' to solve a problem or improve a process." (Illustrate initiative and accountability). Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Storytelling Focus: For each project, create a narrative: the challenge, your creative and technical solution, the tools/methods used, any obstacles, and the measurable results.

• Visual Clarity: Ensure your digital portfolio is well-organized, with high-quality images of dielines, 3D renderings, and prototypes. Annotate key design features and benefits.

• Quantify Impact: Wherever possible, use numbers to demonstrate value (e.g., "reduced material by 15%," "increased product visibility by 20%," "passed drop tests with a 50% safety margin").

• Demonstrate Process: Be ready to explain your workflow, how you iterate on designs, and how you ensure manufacturability.

• Conciseness: Be prepared to present your most impactful projects within a given timeframe, focusing on relevance to the role.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process is heavily geared towards assessing practical design skills, problem-solving abilities, and cultural fit. Candidates should prepare to not only list their skills but to demonstrate them through concrete examples and a well-articulated portfolio.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Structural Graphic Designer position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on Paycom.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your experience with ArtiosCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and corrugated packaging design. Quantify achievements related to cost savings, efficiency improvements, or design innovation. Ensure keywords from the job description are present.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Curate your best structural design projects, focusing on corrugated materials. Include dielines, 3D renderings, and case studies detailing your process, challenges, and outcomes. Ensure it’s easily accessible (e.g., a link to a personal website or a well-organized PDF).

• Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with York Container Company Midwest's products, services, and core values. Understand their market position and any recent news or initiatives.

• Practice Your Presentation: Rehearse presenting your portfolio and answering common interview questions, focusing on clear communication, technical accuracy, and demonstrating how your skills align with the company's needs and culture.

⚠️ 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.