Folding Carton CAD Structural Designer in Bolingbrook, Illinois at General Converting LLC

Folding Carton CAD Structural Designer
Entry-Level / Early Career (0–5 Years Experience)
Position Overview
We are seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Folding Carton CAD Structural Designer to join our packaging team. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent college graduate or an early-career professional interested in developing a career in folding carton packaging, structural design, and manufacturing.
The ideal candidate will have a strong technical aptitude, creative problem-solving skills, and an interest in designing innovative, functional, and cost-effective paperboard packaging solutions.
Working closely with our sales, prepress, estimating, and manufacturing teams, the CAD Structural Designer will help develop packaging designs that meet customer requirements while ensuring efficient production and material utilization.
Candidates with 0–5 years of experience are encouraged to apply. Recent graduates are welcome, and training will be provided for candidates with the right technical background and willingness to learn.
Key Responsibilities
Structural Design & Development
• Create and modify structural designs for folding cartons and other paperboard packaging applications.
• Develop CAD drawings, dielines, and production-ready structural layouts.
• Design packaging solutions based on customer specifications, product requirements, and manufacturing capabilities.
• Develop innovative packaging concepts that balance functionality, appearance, cost, and manufacturability.
• Create and evaluate prototypes, samples, and mockups for customer presentations and internal review.
• Modify existing designs to improve performance, material utilization, or production efficiency.
• Assist with designing packaging for automated filling and assembly operations.
CAD & Technical Design
• Utilize structural CAD software to develop accurate packaging designs and manufacturing specifications.
• Prepare production-ready CAD files for die manufacturing, prepress, and converting operations.
• Develop and maintain CAD drawings, design specifications, and related documentation.
• Ensure designs account for board caliper, grain direction, folding characteristics, glue areas, and die-cutting requirements.
• Create efficient sheet layouts and optimize material utilization.
• Maintain organized design files and accurate revision histories.
• Support the development and standardization of CAD design practices.
Manufacturing & Production Support
• Collaborate with production teams to ensure designs are compatible with printing, die-cutting, folding, and gluing equipment.
• Assist in troubleshooting structural packaging issues during manufacturing.
• Evaluate designs for production efficiency, waste reduction, and cost optimization.
• Work with tooling vendors to ensure accurate cutting dies and manufacturing specifications.
• Participate in design reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support the transition of new packaging designs from development into production.
Collaboration & Customer Support
• Work closely with sales, customer service, estimating, prepress, and production teams.
• Interpret customer drawings, samples, and packaging specifications.
• Communicate design recommendations and technical requirements clearly.
• Assist with customer-requested modifications and new product development.
• Support multiple manufacturing locations as needed.
• Manage multiple design projects while meeting established deadlines.
Required Qualifications
• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Packaging Engineering, Packaging Science, Structural Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related technical field; equivalent technical training or relevant experience will also be considered.
• 0–5 years of relevant experience. Recent college graduates are encouraged to apply.
• Basic understanding of CAD software and technical drawing principles.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and spatial visualization skills.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, measurements, and specifications.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and changing priorities.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Willingness to learn new software, equipment, and manufacturing processes.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred Qualifications
The following qualifications are beneficial but not required:
• Experience with Arden Impact CAD structural design software.
• Knowledge of folding carton packaging, paperboard materials, or corrugated packaging.
• Familiarity with packaging design principles, dielines, and cutting dies.
• Experience with ArtiosCAD, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or similar CAD applications.
• Understanding of offset printing, die-cutting, folding, and gluing processes.
• Experience creating packaging prototypes or physical samples.
• Knowledge of paperboard properties, including caliper, grain direction, and folding characteristics.
• Familiarity with packaging manufacturing equipment and processes.
• Experience with packaging material optimization or cost-reduction initiatives.
• Exposure to automated packaging equipment or high-speed filling lines.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone who:
• Enjoys solving technical and mechanical design challenges.
• Is curious about how products are designed and manufactured.
• Has a strong desire to learn and develop new skills.
• Takes pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.
• Is comfortable working independently and collaborating with others.
• Can balance creativity with practical manufacturing requirements.
• Is adaptable and open to process improvements and new technology.
• Has an interest in automation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
• Wants to build a long-term career in the packaging industry.
What We Offer
• Opportunity to develop a career in the folding carton packaging industry.
• Hands-on training in structural packaging design and manufacturing processes.
• Exposure to advanced CAD software and packaging production technologies.
• Opportunities to collaborate with experienced packaging and manufacturing professionals.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• A collaborative environment focused on innovation and continuous improvement.
• Competitive compensation based on qualifications and experience.
Benefits:
• Medical, Dental, Vision
• PTO/Vacation
• Paid Sick Leave
• 401k
• HSA
• Company Paid Life Insurance
• 10 Paid Holidays
Work Environment
This position is primarily performed in an office and design environment within a manufacturing facility.
The employee will regularly collaborate with production personnel and may spend time on the manufacturing floor reviewing packaging samples, evaluating equipment capabilities, and troubleshooting production-related issues.
The position requires the ability to work effectively in both office and manufacturing environments while following established safety procedures.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to work at a computer workstation for extended periods.
• Ability to perform detailed CAD design work using a computer, keyboard, and mouse.
• Ability to handle and assemble paperboard packaging samples and prototypes.
• Ability to occasionally stand, walk, bend, and reach while working in production areas.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials weighing up to [25] pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to navigate a full staircase multiple times a day.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER /AFFIRMATIVE ACTION PLAN
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, or creed, religion, sex, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran’s status, status with regard to public assistance, or any other class protected by Federal, State, local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.