WestRock Company
Research, Innovation & Design Co-op Fall 2026
WestRock Company, New York, New York, United States
Research, Innovation & Design Co-op Fall 2026
Join to apply for the Research, Innovation & Design Co-op Fall 2026 role at WestRock Company
R&D Innovation Engineering Intern/Co-op Fall 2026 - Various Locations
Overview The Research & Design team is the creative engine that takes action to solve problems that are based on customer requests, operational improvements and market opportunities. This opportunity offers:
A fast-paced and collaborative work environment driving sustainable packaging innovation for the beverage industry
Exposure to range of different functions and opportunity to work with a diverse set of colleagues globally
Summary The Intern/Co-Op is a student or recent graduate learning about Smurfit Westrock and the packaging industry, while developing real-world design experience. A motivated problem solver, the Intern/Co-Op is eager to support the Design team. This role has the support and guidance of Associate Designers, Design Leads, Senior Designers and Leadership and is expected to work independently, stay organized, communicate well, and demonstrate effective time management. Most often this is a recent graduate from an Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Packaging Science program or similar.
Skills
Gaining proficiency in Artios CAD, SolidWorks 3D and Adobe Suite preferred. Professional proficiency of Microsoft Office products - PowerPoint, Word, Excel required.
Advanced ability to understand 3D concepts
Proficiency in operation of equipment including CAD Tables and 3D printers
Ability to support the execution of graphic visuals, packaging layouts, mockups and marketing collateral with direction from teammates and Design Manager. Understands basic print processes and mock-up production work flow, including preparing files for Roland printing.
Interest in carton manufacturing processes, Consumer Packaged Goods production processes, supply chains, automation and/or fit-for-use testing
Creative design generation: active participation in design ideation to support customer or platform innovation projects
Robust execution: maintains highest levels of customer satisfaction in managing design related responsibilities for key accounts and projects through timely and independent execution of deliverables including prototypes, white samples and graphic mock-ups
Effective and clear communication, including clear expectation-setting with stakeholders and articulation of design intent
Behaviors
You promote and uphold a safe, inclusive, customer-obsessed, collaborative, and high-performance team culture
You have a learning mindset and are eager to tackle complex tasks independently after initial introduction
You are accountable to the business stakeholders not only for excellent outcomes
You work well independently and within team environments
You have excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing
You’re a planner. You are extremely organized, diligent and have a positive attitude to take on and execute projects and requests accurately and in a timely manner
You can manage a dynamic workload, prioritize and delegate to excel in a fast-paced environment
Other Qualifications
Completing or recently completed a bachelor\u2019s degree in industrial design, Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Design Engineering or specialized Engineering Degree based in mechanical engineering disciplines from an accredited institution is preferred
Ability to bend, reach and frequently lift items up to 5 pounds and occasionally lift to 50 lbs.
What we Offer
Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
#J-18808-Ljbffr
R&D Innovation Engineering Intern/Co-op Fall 2026 - Various Locations
Overview The Research & Design team is the creative engine that takes action to solve problems that are based on customer requests, operational improvements and market opportunities. This opportunity offers:
A fast-paced and collaborative work environment driving sustainable packaging innovation for the beverage industry
Exposure to range of different functions and opportunity to work with a diverse set of colleagues globally
Summary The Intern/Co-Op is a student or recent graduate learning about Smurfit Westrock and the packaging industry, while developing real-world design experience. A motivated problem solver, the Intern/Co-Op is eager to support the Design team. This role has the support and guidance of Associate Designers, Design Leads, Senior Designers and Leadership and is expected to work independently, stay organized, communicate well, and demonstrate effective time management. Most often this is a recent graduate from an Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Packaging Science program or similar.
Skills
Gaining proficiency in Artios CAD, SolidWorks 3D and Adobe Suite preferred. Professional proficiency of Microsoft Office products - PowerPoint, Word, Excel required.
Advanced ability to understand 3D concepts
Proficiency in operation of equipment including CAD Tables and 3D printers
Ability to support the execution of graphic visuals, packaging layouts, mockups and marketing collateral with direction from teammates and Design Manager. Understands basic print processes and mock-up production work flow, including preparing files for Roland printing.
Interest in carton manufacturing processes, Consumer Packaged Goods production processes, supply chains, automation and/or fit-for-use testing
Creative design generation: active participation in design ideation to support customer or platform innovation projects
Robust execution: maintains highest levels of customer satisfaction in managing design related responsibilities for key accounts and projects through timely and independent execution of deliverables including prototypes, white samples and graphic mock-ups
Effective and clear communication, including clear expectation-setting with stakeholders and articulation of design intent
Behaviors
You promote and uphold a safe, inclusive, customer-obsessed, collaborative, and high-performance team culture
You have a learning mindset and are eager to tackle complex tasks independently after initial introduction
You are accountable to the business stakeholders not only for excellent outcomes
You work well independently and within team environments
You have excellent communication skills both verbally and in writing
You’re a planner. You are extremely organized, diligent and have a positive attitude to take on and execute projects and requests accurately and in a timely manner
You can manage a dynamic workload, prioritize and delegate to excel in a fast-paced environment
Other Qualifications
Completing or recently completed a bachelor\u2019s degree in industrial design, Packaging Design, Graphic Design, Design Engineering or specialized Engineering Degree based in mechanical engineering disciplines from an accredited institution is preferred
Ability to bend, reach and frequently lift items up to 5 pounds and occasionally lift to 50 lbs.
What we Offer
Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
#J-18808-Ljbffr