Packaging Production Designer, Pasadena

About Likely Inc.
Likely Inc. is a Pasadena-based design studio specializing in luxury and sustainable custom packaging.
We partner with brands to bring their vision to life—from concept through production—using our in-house expertise and global manufacturing network.

Role Overview
We're seeking a detail-oriented Packaging Production Designer with 4+ years of hands-on experience preparing print-ready files and setting up production for packaging products (boxes, bags, cartons, etc.).
You'll collaborate closely with our design and product development teams to generate new packaging ideas, re-engineer existing solutions for sustainability and cost efficiency, and ensure flawless execution from dieline to delivery.
Please note: Applications submitted without a portfolio showcasing relevant production work and completed projects will not be considered.
Candidates must provide examples that demonstrate your experience, technical knowledge, and production capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Independently develop, analyze, and refine dielines, ensuring structural and production accuracy across a wide range of packaging formats including rigid boxes, folding cartons, paper bags, stationery, tissue paper, glass vessels, metal tins, labels, and other custom packaging components
Prepare and deliver production-ready artwork files in all required formats (PDF, AI, EPS, etc.) with complete production callouts, specifications, finishes, and annotations for factory execution
Apply advanced knowledge of printing and production techniques including offset, digital, screen printing, foil stamping, embossing, debossing, spot UV, soft-touch, coatings, and specialty finishes to optimize designs for manufacturing
Take full ownership of internal production file setup rather than relying on factories or external vendors to provide finalized dielines or production-ready files
Review and verify all artwork, dimensions, tolerances, material callouts, and production specifications prior to factory release to minimize production risks and costly errors
Collaborate closely with product development, sourcing, and graphic design teams to ideate, prototype, and refine packaging concepts from development through final production
Liaise directly with domestic and international factories and vendors to confirm specifications, construction details, print applications, production feasibility, tolerances, and lead times
Maintain organized project files, trackers, spec sheets, and production timelines while ensuring all revisions and approvals are properly documented and updated internally
Effectively self-manage daily priorities, workload, and timelines in a fast-paced environment by proactively identifying urgent tasks, long lead items, and communicating status updates clearly with ownership and the production team
Troubleshoot technical production issues proactively and provide solutions before files are released into sampling or production
Qualifications
5+ years of experience in packaging production design and prepress setup for consumer products and luxury packaging
Expert-level mastery of dieline creation, structural layout analysis, and production file setup across multiple packaging categories and materials
Proven experience independently building and adjusting production-ready files rather than simply using factory-provided templates or existing agency files
Strong understanding of packaging engineering, print production limitations, material behavior, and manufacturing tolerances
In-depth knowledge of printing processes and how artwork, materials, finishes, and construction impact final production quality
Exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with minimal oversight
Strong communication skills and confidence working cross-functionally with creative teams, product developers, ownership, and overseas vendors/factories
Ability to prioritize tasks independently, revisit and manage daily to-do lists effectively, and communicate production risks or delays proactively
Passion for luxury packaging, sustainable materials, innovative production methods, and cost-effective packaging solutions
Benefits:
Comprehensive health benefits offered to full-time employees, available after the 90-day probation period.
40 hours of paid sick time annually, available after the 90-day probation period.
Paid Time Off (PTO) begins accruing after one year of continuous employment.
Opportunities for growth within the company.
Compensation:
$70,000/year
How to Apply
Please send your resume, portfolio samples (dielines + finished packaging), and a brief cover letter to ****** with the subject line "Packaging Production Designer Application."
Please note: Applications submitted without a portfolio showcasing relevant production work and completed projects will not be considered.
Candidates must provide examples that demonstrate your experience, technical knowledge, and production capabilities.
We look forward to seeing how your expertise can help us drive innovation and sustainability in packaging production!