Junior Structural Packaging Design Jobs in Chicago, IL

Job Description: Packaging Designer

The Packaging Designer develops, tests, and implements corrugated packaging solutions that meet structural, aesthetic, and retail requirements. This role coordinates outsourced digital printing projects, supports production during new product launches and line trials, and travels to customer facilities to assist with package implementation and resolve performance issues. The Packaging Designer investigates design-related production problems, maintains accurate documentation, and stays current with industry trends, materials, printing technologies, and sustainability initiatives while maintaining a safe, organized, and professional work environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and oversee outsourced digital printing projects to ensure quality, consistency, and timely delivery.
• Review and perform package testing in accordance with TAPPI and ISTA testing standards, interpreting results and recommending improvements.
• Support production teams during new product launches, line trials, and manufacturing startups by troubleshooting structural and design-related issues and implementing corrective actions.
• Travel to customer facilities to conduct production line trials, assist with package implementation, and resolve packaging performance concerns on-site.
• Investigate design-related production issues, identify root causes, and develop preventive solutions to minimize recurring problems.
• Assist in training and mentoring design personnel on structural design standards, best practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support employee performance evaluations and professional development activities as requested, providing input on technical skills and growth opportunities.
• Participate in customer meetings, presentations, and packaging demonstrations in collaboration with the Sales team to communicate design concepts and capabilities.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including design specifications, testing records, and revision histories, ensuring information is up to date and accessible.
• Stay current with packaging trends, materials, printing technologies, sustainability initiatives, and retail packaging requirements, and apply this knowledge to design projects.
• Maintain a safe, organized, and professional work environment by following all company safety policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned to support design, production, and customer initiatives.

Essential Skills

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in the corrugated packaging industry with demonstrated knowledge of structural packaging design, manufacturing processes, and retail packaging requirements.
• Proficiency with ArtiosCAD and ArtiosCAD 3D for structural packaging design and visualization.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and related productivity tools.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, including Illustrator, Photoshop, and Acrobat, for graphics and artwork 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.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with customers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience supporting customer-facing sales presentations and packaging development projects.
• Knowledge of sustainable packaging design principles and packaging optimization.
• Previous leadership, mentoring, or project coordination experience.
• Formal leadership or supervisory training.

This is a Permanent position based out of Elgin, IL.

The pay range for this position is $85000.00 - $105000.00/yr.

N/A................................................

This is a hybrid position in Elgin,IL.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 27, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.