Junior Structural Designer

About the role

DS Smith has an exciting opportunity for a Junior Structural Designer to join our team at our Ely site. This role is ideal for a creative and detail-oriented individual looking to build a career in structural packaging design within a global, market-leading business.

Working within our Design and Innovation team, you will support the development of innovative, sustainable packaging solutions, creating specification drawings, prototypes, samples and assembly guides that meet customer requirements while balancing creativity, manufacturability and commercial viability.

You'll work closely with Account Management, Commercial, Production, Creative and Artwork teams, gaining exposure to all stages of the design process. Supported by experienced designers and team leaders, you'll have the opportunity to develop your CAD and packaging design skills, contribute to exciting customer projects and follow a structured development path as you progress your career with DS Smith.

Key Responsibilities

• Create structural packaging designs, drawings, samples, prototypes and mock-ups using CAD software.

• Demonstrate a good understanding of corrugated cardboard material, Board grades, manufacturing tolerances.

• Interpret customer briefs to develop innovative, commercially viable packaging solutions.

• Manage project information and ensure work is delivered on time and to the required quality standards.

• Work closely with Account Management, Commercial, Production, Creative and Artwork teams to deliver successful customer solutions.

• Ensure designs comply with customer, retailer and manufacturing requirements.

• Support continuous improvement through innovation, attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

• Contribute to the smooth day-to-day running of the Design Studio.

• Apply quality principles to ensure designs, documentation, and outputs meet required specifications and standards.

• Experience using ZUND digital cutting table to produce samples and prototypes.

• Ability to read and interpret stock load-ups, laydowns, assembly guides, and product specifications accurately.

About You

We're looking for a creative and motivated individual with:

• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively across teams.

• Experience using ArtiosCAD or similar CAD software.

• An interest in packaging and POS design, with experience in product or structural design preferred.

• The ability to manage multiple tasks and work to deadlines.

• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of packaging materials and print production processes.

• Experience within a design studio, packaging or manufacturing environment.

• Adobe Illustrator skills.

Benefits 

• Competitive salary 

• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays 

• Pension, life assurance and income protection 

• Employee Assistance Program 

• Digital GP and Health Checks 

• Retail and leisure discounts 

• Cycle to work scheme 

Location: Ely – On Site Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00pm (30 min lunch break)

About us

We are DS Smith, together with International Paper, we are a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions and other fibre-based products. We believe a better, more sustainable tomorrow is possible with the right people, who challenge and support one another to enact positive change. We employ more than 65,000 colleagues in North America and Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), who are experts in innovation, manufacturing, design, sales, sustainability, supply chain, and much more. Together with our customers, we make the world safer and more productive, one sustainable packaging solution at a time. Become part of a world-leading organisation and do your best work with us!

Fair recruitment at DS Smith

To fulfil our purpose of redefining packaging for a changing world, we aim to build a diverse, motivated, and engaged workforce. Our goal is to create a culture of inclusion where everyone is treated fairly, differences are valued, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

Our people come from diverse backgrounds, bring different perspectives, ideas and experiences to generate unique solutions focused on present and future sustainability challenges. We welcome all candidates to apply, even those not meeting all criteria