Title:  Creative Design Associate

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At Graphic Packaging International, we produce the paper cup that held your coffee this morning, the basket that transported those bottles of craft beer you enjoyed last weekend, and the microwave tray that heated your gourmet meal last night. We’re one of the largest manufacturers of paperboard and paper-based packaging for some of the world’s most recognized brands of food, beverage, foodservice, household, personal care and pet products. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, we are collaborative, diverse, innovative individuals who create inspired packaging while giving back to our communities. 

With over 25,000 employees working in more than 130 locations worldwide, we strive to be environmentally responsible in our industry and in the communities where we operate. We are committed to workplace diversity and offer compensation and benefits programs that are among the industry’s best to reward the talented people who make our company successful.

If this sounds like something you would like to be a part of, we’d love to hear from you.

A World of Difference. Made Possible.

The Mission of the Innovation and Design department is to develop new packaging solutions through Creative Structural Design, that are desirable, feasible, and viable. Collaboratively working within the Global Innovation and Design department with Sales, Marketing, Business Development and R&D, to ensure success through all phases of development. 

As an Associate Creative Structural Designer, you will get to work with some of the largest consumer product, food service, and beverage companies in the world; inspiring and bringing to life new and innovative solutions to help launch new products and solve challenging problems. At Graphic Packaging, we truly value innovation and pride ourselves in creating packaging solutions that change the world. The Innovation & Design department is part of the Global Innovation & New Business organization. This position will allow you the opportunity to work on global initiatives with teams across the world.

The Associate Creative Structural Designer position requires basic knowledge of folding carton and corrugate packaging design. Basic knowledge of packaging life cycle, converting processes, high speed packaging machinery, and feature/performance testing is a plus.

This Associate Creative Structural Designer must exhibit design skills for sample assembly (including operating a CAD Table) consistent with customer requirements and internal manufacturing capabilities.  Training will be provided on internal manufacturing capabilities. A passion for sustainable solutions, utilizing paper-based design for the folding carton and corrugate industries, is desired.  Associate Creative Structural Designer will have the responsibility to produce prototype samples to ensure functionality and manufacturability, for which GPI will provide training. This position will require time management skills to meet customer-driven deadlines.  The designer will also be required to work on group projects under the direction of the Lead Designer assigned to the project. The Associate Creative Structural Designer will gain exposure to and participate in direct design work as they grow in their role. This position will be heavily focused on sample making / assembly on our Strength Design Team. This team is responsible for developing design solutions on high caliper paperboard and corrugate.

The overall Creative Structural Design process is accomplished utilizing Artios CAD and design request applications as well as sample plotter tables for prototyping.  Your skills will be developed further through the varied experiences you obtain as well as extensive on-the-job training.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

Structural Design:

• As a member of our team, you are responsible for managing your time across various tasks including design meetings, sample cutting & assembly, file prep, photography and project completion.
• The ability to take professional quality photographs of samples for presentations is a plus.
• Our designers are trained in developing solutions that adhere to the standards of our design organization, GPI production plants, customers and the packaging industry.
• Creating well organized design files that assist in the transition between departments and team members is required. Each designer must accurately finalize one-up carton design specifications prior to release to converting and machinery organizations. Training to be provided.
• Team members are responsible for accurately closing out projects and efficiently communicating completed work to team members, Sales and Design Management.
• Designers must coordinate with our testing lab to review testing requirements and data reports when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Software Use:

• Basic understanding and utilization of the Artios CAD system.
• Effective and professional communication skills utilizing digital interfacing platforms.
• Uploading completed design specs into GPI Operations software.
• CAPE, TOPS, or similar pallet building program experience is a plus

Teamwork:

• The foundation of the creative design team is rooted in teamwork, with members proactively communicating and coordinating on projects that require assistance.
• Team members will assist each other in projects requiring tight turn times through plotter sample help, design help and review, presentation building, etc.
• Creating, maintaining and nurturing relationships with design managers, team members, customers, sales, customer service, manufacturing design and carton converting groups is required.
• Designers must share knowledge across the organization by proactively communicating new developments. This includes invention record filings, internal and external patent findings, new manufacturing techniques and interesting market observations.

Education / Skills / Knowledge:

• Industrial Design, Packaging Engineering / Science degree graduate preferred
• 2+ years of experience in Carton Design disciplines or similar preferred
• Minimal experience in packaging design, packaging machinery and carton converting operations

Schedule Demands:

• General schedule is an 8-hour M-F assignment; however, employees must be willing to work alternate schedules occasionally; that may include early mornings, nights, and/or weekends and be punctual while doing so.
• This position is located in an office setting with minimal ability to work remotely.
• Occasional overnight travel to include flying, driving, riding or via rail.

Physical Demands:

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time up to 8-hours
• Occasional Lifting up to 20lbs
• Use of a pallet jack / similar equipment for stocking department supplies with team members
• Reading computer screen or other electronic devices
• Use of various office hand and electrical tools or equipment

Pay Range:   $53,775.00 - $71,700.00

Graphic Packaging is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All candidates will be evaluated on the basis of their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decision on an employee's or applicant's race, color, religion, age, gender or sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic identity, genetic information, disability, veteran/military status or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law. Click here to view the Poster, EEO is the Law.

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