Packaging Design Manager Jobs in Elgin, IL (NOW HIRING)

Description

Designs and engineers structural packaging solutions using corrugate and folding carton substrates, translating customer requirements and product specifications into buildable, cost-effective packaging designs. Develops dielines, structural drawings, and prototypes while partnering with sales, estimating, prepress, and production teams to ensure designs meet performance and production requirements.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Designs and engineers corrugated and carton packaging structures using structural CAD software (e.g., ArtiosCAD), partnering with sales and estimating teams to translate customer requirements into manufacturable, cost-effective packaging solutions that meet performance specifications.
• Creates dielines, structural drawings, and physical prototypes for corrugated boxes, folding cartons, point-of-purchase displays, and specialty packaging.
• Develops, assembles, and tests physical samples to validate structural integrity, print registration, and functionality prior to production release.
• Works closely with prepress, die-making, and production teams to ensure designs translate accurately through printing, die-cutting, and finishing.
• Conducts package testing (compression, drop, vibration) to confirm designs meet industry standards (ISTA, ASTM) and customer requirements.
• Identifies opportunities to optimize material usage, reduce cost, and improve the sustainability of packaging designs.
• Maintains a library of standard dielines, specifications, and structural templates for reuse across projects.
• Troubleshoots structural or production issues on existing packaging designs and recommends corrective actions.
• Collaborates with die suppliers and vendors on tooling specifications and lead times.
• Stays current on packaging trends, materials, and manufacturing capabilities across corrugate and carton substrates.
• Reads and interprets customer specifications, artwork, and technical drawings to ensure designs meet all requirements before release to production.
• Train junior packaging designers, drafters, or interns on structural design standards and processes.
• Coordinates design workflow and priorities with the sample room and structural design team.
• Performs other duties as requested.

Required Skills and Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. In keeping with Mittera’s philosophy that each individual should be encouraged to reach his or her full potential, and in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), reasonable accommodations or modifications will be made for qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Hours may vary depending on departmental and project deadlines.

• College degree or equivalent job experience
• 3+ years of packaging engineering or structural design experience, preferably with corrugated and/or folding carton packaging.
• Proficiency with structural packaging design software (e.g., ArtiosCAD, Kasemake, or similar CAD applications).
• Knowledge of corrugated and carton board materials, construction styles, and manufacturing processes, including die-cutting, printing, and finishing.
• Ability to read and interpret customer specifications, artwork, and technical drawings.
• Familiarity with packaging testing standards (ISTA, ASTM) and quality requirements.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to balance structural performance, manufacturability, and cost.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate across departments.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift up to 20 pounds at times.
• Requires fine motor hand and arm movement, manual dexterity and coordination.
• Must be able to access the sample room and production floor to build and test prototypes.

Work Environment

This position primarily requires work in an office/design environment. The work environment has a low noise level with ambient temperatures controlled by heating and air conditioning. May occasionally be exposed to hazardous materials or near moving mechanical parts while on the production floor.