Structural Designer

Structural Designer

PFI InStore Butler Division

Job Summary

The Structural Designer develops innovative, functional, and manufacturable solutions for custom retail displays, merchandising fixtures, point-of-purchase programs, and other in-store applications. This role collaborates with Sales, Product Management, Industrial Design, Engineering, Production, and customers to translate concepts and requirements into production-ready structural designs.

Responsibilities include concept development, prototyping, testing, refinement, and production implementation while balancing functionality, structural integrity, manufacturability, aesthetics, cost, and customer requirements.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop structural designs for retail displays, merchandising systems, packaging, and in-store solutions using corrugated, plastics, foam board, wood, metal, printed substrates, and other materials.
• Translate customer requirements, creative concepts, sketches, and design direction into detailed structural solutions.
• Create and modify 2D drawings, die lines, layouts, and 3D CAD models.
• Evaluate designs for:
• Structural integrity
• Functionality and usability
• Material selection
• Manufacturability
• Assembly requirements
• Shipping and logistics
• Installation requirements
• Cost efficiency
• Customer specifications
• Retail application
• Develop prototypes and samples to evaluate fit, form, function, durability, and performance.
• Collaborate with Production to improve manufacturability, quality, efficiency, and cost.
• Participate in Product Development Meetings (PDM’s) and project reviews.
• Work with Sales and Product Management to understand project objectives, requirements, budgets, and timelines.
• Develop and evaluate multiple design concepts when appropriate.
• Design structural components that integrate with graphics, branding, hardware, lighting, shelving, and merchandising elements.
• Understand manufacturing capabilities, materials, processes, and production limitations.
• Identify opportunities to improve products, standardize components, reduce material usage, simplify assembly, and increase efficiency.
• Maintain project documentation, specifications, revisions, and design files.
• Assist in resolving structural and manufacturing issues during prototyping and production.
• Support development of standard components, templates, and design guidelines.
• Collaborate with the design team to enhance renderings, layouts, presentations, and visual communication tools.
• Assist in preparing materials that communicate structural concepts to internal and external audiences.
• Stay current with materials, manufacturing processes, structural design techniques, retail trends, and industry developments.
• Contribute to marketing and promotional initiatives as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Qualifications & Skills
• Education
• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Product Design, Structural Design, Engineering, Architecture, Packaging Design, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent education, training, and experience may be considered.
• Experience
• 2-4 years of experience in structural design, product design, packaging, retail displays, fixture design, manufacturing, or a related field.
• Retail display, POP, merchandising, or packaging experience preferred.
• Manufacturing experience is highly desirable.
• Technical Skills
• Proficiency in 2D drafting and 3D CAD software.
• Experience with Esko - Artios CAD, Arden - Impact CAD, or similar software preferred.
• Ability to create production drawings, die lines, layouts, and structural specifications.
• Experience with prototyping and physical model development.
• Knowledge of corrugated, plastics, wood, metal, adhesives, printing, CNC, die-cutting, fabrication, and related manufacturing processes.
• Understanding of structural analysis, material performance, load requirements, and basic engineering principles preferred.
• Experience with photorealistic rendering software is a plus.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Illustrator and Photoshop).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office or comparable business software.
• Design & Problem-Solving Competencies
• Understanding of form, function, materials, structure, and manufacturing.
• Ability to convert concepts into practical, production-ready solutions.
• Strong 3D visualization and spatial reasoning skills.
• Creative problem-solving and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a deadline-driven environment.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• Ability to receive feedback and incorporate revisions effectively.
• Self-motivated with sound judgment and project ownership.
• Comfortable working in a cross-functional environment.
• Customer-focused with an understanding of business objectives and profitability.
• Physical & Work Environment Requirements
• Primarily office/design environment with regular interaction in manufacturing and production areas.
• Ability to work at a computer for extended periods.
• Frequent standing and walking when reviewing prototypes and production activities.
• Ability to read and interpret information from computer screens and technical documents.
• Safely handle prototypes, samples, materials, and components as required.
• Occasional travel for customer meetings, trade shows, production facilities, and other business activities.