Bay Cities has an exciting opportunity for a Sample Maker located at our headquarter facility in Pico Rivera. The Sample Maker is responsible for producing high-quality corrugated box and display samples by operating a computerized sample cutting table machine. This role supports the Structural Design team by producing accurate physical prototypes, maintaining an organized inventory of sample materials, and assisting with ISTA testing and related documentation. The Sample Maker plays a critical role in ensuring packaging concepts are efficiently and accurately translated from design to physical form.

This position requires standing for extended periods of time and regularly performing physical tasks, including lifting product and boxes, loading large sheets of corrugate into metal storage racks, stretch wrapping pallet displays, sweeping, emptying recycling bins, and maintaining a clean and organized work area. The Sample Maker will also occasionally assist with basic packaging or box design tasks and help create assembly instruction sheets in support of the Structural Design team.

NOTE:

Must be available to train for at least 1 month during the day with the designers to learn how to use the Elitron cutting table, identify different materials, assemble displays, ISTA test, maintain the machines, and the overall process. 

JOB FUNCTION / PURPOSE

• Operates the sample cutting table machine to produce corrugated box and display samples according to provided design specifications.
• Maintains clean work area by organizing samples and sheets into the proper racks, sweeping the floors, and emptying the recycling bins.
• Loads and organizes large corrugated sheets into designated metal storage racks.
• Maintains a clean, safe, and organized work area by properly storing samples and materials, sweeping floors, and emptying recycling bins.
• Tracks and maintains an organized inventory list of sample stock boards and materials for the Design team.
• Measures and weighs items using a measuring tape and scale and creates custom-sized shipper boxes for outgoing samples.
• Assists Structural Designers in creating and updating Assembly Instruction Sheets using Adobe Illustrator.
• Conducts ISTA shipping tests on packaging samples and documents results in clear, detailed reports.
• Inspects samples for quality, and completeness prior to handoff.
• Follows all safety guidelines and operational procedures related to equipment and material handling.
• Communicates with cutting table machine company and submits helpdesk tickets when machine or technology is not performing properly. 
• Performs other duties and assist with additional projects as assigned.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE & COMPETENCIES

• Bachelor’s degree in Packaging, Industrial Design, Engineering, Graphic Design, or a related creative or technical field preferred.
• Experience with sample cutting tables, packaging prototypes, or manufacturing equipment is a plus.
• Proficiency or working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator preferred.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to follow technical drawings and specifications.
• Effective oral and written communication skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to lift, move, and handle large corrugated sheets and sample materials.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

CORE COMPETENCIES 

• High ethical standards. Models and supports organization’s goals and values; adapts to changing conditions; demonstrates persistence and overcomes obstacles. Consistently conducts themselves in an honest and trustworthy manner. Does not pursue their own individual objectives to the detriment of company goals. Sets an example for others to follow. Does the right thing.
• Demonstrates energy and passion about what they do and knows how to balance work and fun. Is generally optimistic and upbeat; fun to be around. Has a strong belief and zeal for the industry, the job, and the company. Conveys energy and intensity at work with a capacity for keeping others enthusiastic and involved.
• Operates with a customer service orientation internally and externally. Works to positively build the Bay Cities brand in everything he/she does. Builds strong, positive relationships with all stakeholders.
• Acts as an owner of the business and instills that same attitude and level of action in others. Is proactive in taking responsibility for all outcomes/results and avoids ‘pointing fingers’. Helps to create and maintain a strong feeling of belonging in the immediate and overall team.
• Regularly involves others in decisions that affect their job or work environment. Demonstrates co-operation and trust with colleagues and teams across organizational boundaries. Participates as a team player and establishes strong working relationships to deliver positive results.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to prioritize, balance, and manage multiple efforts with strong results/goal orientation. Uses time effectively, prioritizes and organizes work flow; can orchestrate multiple activities at once. Agility and personal adaptability with the ability to successfully manage multiple priorities with a high sense of urgency in a rapidly changing environment.
• Displays original thinking and creativity; Meets challenges with resourcefulness; Generates suggestions for improving work. Learns quickly when facing new problems; a relentless and versatile learner; open to change; strives for continuous improvement of self and processes.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills with the ability to convey information and ideas in a variety of media, tactful, confident, at all levels, internal and external. Must have strong interpersonal skills and ability to manage multiple projects in a rapidly changing environment. 

OTHER

• US Persons Only (US citizens, lawful permanent residents, refugee or asylee – all require proper identification and documentation).
• Up to 25% travel required.
• Physical and Environmental Requirements: While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and sit. The employee is occasionally required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and color vision.
• Work environment includes front-office and manufacturing in California. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• Pre-Employment Verifications: Must pass background and reference checks, drug screen, and physical examination prior to employment.