Concept Designer

Job DetailsDescriptionPlastics Packaging Concept Designer I (Level 1)Location: Hybrid: Birmingham, MIDepartment: Product CommercializationReports To: Director of Product CommercializationPosition SummaryThe Concept Designer I is responsible for developing visually compelling packaging concepts that bring customer ideas and brand strategies to life. This role focuses exclusively on creative ideation, rendering, and visual storytelling, supporting early-stage design exploration before engineering development begins.The Designer acts as a key contributor in concept workshops and customer engagements, translating inputs such as brand guidelines, inspiration, and market trends into clear, presentation-ready visuals. This role does not perform engineering design or technical drafting, but instead partners with Product Engineering to hand off clear visual intent.Key ResponsibilitiesCreate high-quality photorealistic renderings of packaging concepts using KeyShotDevelop visual design concepts aligned to customer branding, positioning, and market trendsBuild mood boards, concept boards, and visual directions to guide design explorationSupport and actively participate in customer concept workshops and ideation sessionsRapidly iterate on concepts based on customer and internal feedbackCreate presentation-ready visuals for customer proposals and internal reviewsApply strong design fundamentals (form, proportion, color, and finish) to packaging conceptsTranslate abstract ideas into clear visual representations of packaging directionPartner with Product Engineering teams by providing visual intent and design direction (no technical execution)Maintain organized libraries of renderings, textures, finishes, and concept assetsRequired QualificationsAssociate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, or related field0–2 years of experience in concept design, visualization, or creative product designProficiency in:KeyShot (required) – rendering and visualizationAdobe Photoshop (required) – concept development and image creationStrong visual design skillset (color, form, branding, composition)Ability to work in a fast-paced, iterative, creative environmentPreferred QualificationsExperience with consumer packaging or product visualizationExposure to brand-driven design work (CPG, personal care, food, etc.)Familiarity with Adobe Illustrator or similar toolsInterest in trends, aesthetics, and consumer-facing designCore CompetenciesVisual storytelling and creativityRapid concept development and iterationStrong aesthetic judgmentCollaboration across commercial and engineering teamsClear communication through visuals (not technical documentation)Success Profile (First 6–12 Months)Consistently delivers high-quality, customer-facing renderings and concept visualsActively contributes to concept sessions with strong creative outputDemonstrates strong alignment to brand and consumer expectationsEffectively hands off clear design intent to engineering teams for development