Structural Packaging Designer

Job Summary

Willowpack is seeking a full-time employee for the Structural Packaging Designer role.  Reporting to the Director of Operations, the  Structural Packaging Designer brings strong technical expertise in packaging engineering and prototyping. This role involves creating dielines, validating designs, and guiding artwork setup for various packaging types, including folding cartons, corrugated boxes, and flexible packaging. The candidate will also engage with clients and internal teams to ensure seamless communication and delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and prototype dielines for folding cartons, corrugated boxes, and flexible packaging (stand-up pouches and flat lay pouches).


• Test and validate dielines to ensure compatibility with manufacturing and customer requirements.


• Work with Sales, Production co-ordinators, Pre-press, and production team to coordinate the engineering of packaging. 


• Create Standardized dieline that can be re-used for multiple projects, in the industries of : Food, Beverage, Cannabis, Health and wellness, Petfood.


• Evaluate existing customer or prospective customer packaging for possible


• Improvement in style, function, appearance, cost and/or ease of packaging


• Create detailed setup guides for artwork, including layout recommendations and compliance standards.


• Offer clear guidelines for clients to prepare print-ready files.


• Work directly with clients to assess packaging needs and recommend suitable dieline solutions.


• Collaborate with client departments to refine dielines and ensure feasibility.


• Act as a liaison between clients and internal production teams, translating technical requirements into actionable plans.


• Ensure all dielines meet engineering, aesthetic, and functional requirements before production.


• Maintain consistency with industry standards and company quality expectations.


• Assist Pre-press for adjustments that need to be made from customer provided dielines to ensure good reproduction.


• Other Duties as Assigned.

Key Experience & Qualifications:

• Proficient in packaging design software such as AutoCAD, ArtiosCad, Adobe Illustrator, or similar tools.


• Strong understanding of packaging engineering and prototyping.


• Needs to be able to create dieline for multiple Materials. (SBS stock, corrugated etc) and to be able to adjust dielines from one material to another. 


• Be knowledgeable about Konsberg / Zund applications


• Ability to troubleshoot design and production challenges.


• Excellent verbal and written communication for client interaction and collaboration with internal teams.


• Strong ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.


• Familiarity with packaging materials, manufacturing processes, and industry standards.


• High level of precision in design and validation tasks.