Senior Structural Designer

Outform
Outform

Design

Chicago, IL, USA

Posted on Oct 16, 2026

The Senior Structural Designer is a strategic and hands-on design leader responsible for the development of innovative, retail-focused temporary display solutions that drive shopper engagement and support client brand objectives. This role combines advanced structural design expertise with project leadership, client-facing communication, and mentoring responsibilities.

The Senior Structural Designer leads the structural development of complex corrugated, paperboard, hybrid, and multi-material display programs from concept through production. This individual serves as a trusted technical expert, partnering closely with Creative, Account Management, Production, Sourcing, and Manufacturing teams to deliver award-winning, cost-effective retail solutions that meet retailer requirements and manufacturing constraints.

DIRECT REPORTS

  • N/A

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

  • Manage multiple design programs simultaneously from concept development through production release.
  • Act as the primary structural design lead on key client accounts and strategic initiatives.
  • Drive project timelines, design reviews, prototype evaluations, and production approvals.
  • Proactively identify risks, manufacturing challenges, and cost-saving opportunities throughout the development process.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Lead the structural design and engineering of temporary retail displays, including floor displays, pallets, power wings, sidekicks, endcaps, PDQs, and club store solutions.
  • Translate creative concepts and customer objectives into manufacturable structural solutions.
  • Develop innovative display structures that balance functionality, shopper experience, sustainability, and cost objectives.
  • Evaluate and recommend materials, construction methods, and manufacturing processes to optimize performance and value.

KEY INTERFACES (NON-REPORTING)

  • Present structural concepts and recommendations to internal teams and clients.
  • Collaborate with Industrial Designers to merge visual design intent with structural feasibility.
  • Partner with Estimating, Production, Sourcing, and Operations teams to ensure smooth execution from concept through manufacturing.
  • Provide technical support during client presentations, prototype reviews, and production launches.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

  • Create detailed structural concepts, engineering drawings, production specifications, and assembly instructions using ArtiosCAD and related design software.
  • Conduct load analysis, pack-out studies, assembly evaluations, and transportation considerations.
  • Ensure designs meet retailer specifications, product requirements, and manufacturing capabilities.
  • Support testing protocols, including transit, load, and retail compliance testing.
  • Hands-on sample-making ability, including confident use of the sample table, hand tools and shop equipment. Plotter operation is a plus.
  • Capacity to multitask without losing focus in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor's degree in Packaging Engineering, Industrial Design, Product Development, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; or equivalent industry experience.
  • 7+ years of experience designing POP displays, retail fixtures, packaging, or corrugated structures.
  • Advanced proficiency in ArtiosCAD or similar CAD program and structural packaging/display design.
  • Deep understanding of corrugated materials, paperboard structures, printing processes, and retail display manufacturing.
  • Proven experience developing displays for major retail channels, including mass, grocery, drug, convenience, and club stores.
  • Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, including die-cutting, litho-laminating, flexographic printing, and assembly operations.
  • Excellent presentation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead projects independently from concept through launch.
  • Sample-making ability. Plotter operation is a plus.

Preferred

  • Experience working directly with major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Sam's Club, Walgreens, CVS, Home Depot, or Lowe's.
  • Knowledge of SolidWorks, Impact, Adobe Creative Suite, and Esko workflow tools.
  • Experience leading client-facing design presentations and design workshops.
  • Familiarity with sustainability initiatives and alternative display materials.

LEADERSHIP ATTRIBUTES & PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

  • Retail Display Development
  • Design Leadership
  • Client Relationship Management
  • Manufacturing & Production Expertise
  • Cost Optimization
  • Creative Problem Solving: Contribute to design standards, structural innovation initiatives, and process improvements.
  • Material Innovation: Stay current with emerging materials, sustainability initiatives
  • Mentoring & Team Development: Assist in reviewing team designs and provide constructive feedback to ensure quality and consistency.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Project Management
  • Strategic Thinking

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Regularly required to stand, walk, bend, kneel and reach while building samples and working on the production floor.
  • Frequently lifts and moves materials and sample components weighing up to 50 pounds.
  • Requires manual dexterity and use of hand and shop tools, and close visual acuity for design and detail work.
  • Works in a manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust and moving machinery. Required PPE must be worn.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.
  • Working conditions are in a normal office environment.
  • Successful performance requires good eyesight with or without corrective lenses.
  • Requires long periods of time working at a computer.

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