WestRock Company
Research, Innovation & Design Co-op Fall 2026
WestRock Company, Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23214
Overview
Research, Innovation & Design Co-op Fall 2026 – WestRock Company (Smurfit Westrock, NYSE: SW). Location: VA Richmond Innovation Design Center. Employment Type: Full Time. Date Posted: 06-Oct-2025. Relocation: Yes. Job Title
Research, Innovation & Design Co-op Fall 2026 Responsibilities
Support the Research & Design team in solving problems based on customer requests, operational improvements and market opportunities. Contribute to a fast-paced, collaborative work environment driving sustainable packaging innovation for the beverage industry. Gain exposure to a range of functions and collaborate with colleagues globally. Assist in the execution of design tasks under the direction of Associate Designers, Design Leads, Senior Designers and Leadership, and work independently when appropriate. Qualifications
Typical educational background: student or recent graduate in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Packaging Science or a related field; bachelor’s degree preferred. Proficiency in Artios CAD, SolidWorks 3D and Adobe Suite preferred; professional proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) required. Understanding of 3D concepts and experience operating CAD tables and 3D printers. Ability to support creation of graphic visuals, packaging layouts, mockups and marketing collateral with guidance; familiarity with basic print processes and mock-up production workflows, including preparing files for Roland printing. Interest in carton manufacturing processes, consumer packaged goods production, supply chains, automation and/or fit-for-use testing. Creative design generation and active participation in ideation; strong execution to manage design deliverables and prototypes with customer satisfaction in mind. Effective and clear communication with stakeholders; strong time-management and organizational skills; ability to work independently and in teams. Excellent written and verbal communication; strong planning and ability to manage dynamic workloads in a fast-paced environment. Other Qualifications
Completing or recently completed a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, packaging design, graphic design, design engineering or mechanical engineering disciplines from an accredited institution is preferred. Physical ability to bend, reach and lift items up to 5 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally. What We Offer
Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence. Comprehensive training with learning and development opportunities. Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
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Research, Innovation & Design Co-op Fall 2026 – WestRock Company (Smurfit Westrock, NYSE: SW). Location: VA Richmond Innovation Design Center. Employment Type: Full Time. Date Posted: 06-Oct-2025. Relocation: Yes. Job Title
Research, Innovation & Design Co-op Fall 2026 Responsibilities
Support the Research & Design team in solving problems based on customer requests, operational improvements and market opportunities. Contribute to a fast-paced, collaborative work environment driving sustainable packaging innovation for the beverage industry. Gain exposure to a range of functions and collaborate with colleagues globally. Assist in the execution of design tasks under the direction of Associate Designers, Design Leads, Senior Designers and Leadership, and work independently when appropriate. Qualifications
Typical educational background: student or recent graduate in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Packaging Science or a related field; bachelor’s degree preferred. Proficiency in Artios CAD, SolidWorks 3D and Adobe Suite preferred; professional proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) required. Understanding of 3D concepts and experience operating CAD tables and 3D printers. Ability to support creation of graphic visuals, packaging layouts, mockups and marketing collateral with guidance; familiarity with basic print processes and mock-up production workflows, including preparing files for Roland printing. Interest in carton manufacturing processes, consumer packaged goods production, supply chains, automation and/or fit-for-use testing. Creative design generation and active participation in ideation; strong execution to manage design deliverables and prototypes with customer satisfaction in mind. Effective and clear communication with stakeholders; strong time-management and organizational skills; ability to work independently and in teams. Excellent written and verbal communication; strong planning and ability to manage dynamic workloads in a fast-paced environment. Other Qualifications
Completing or recently completed a bachelor’s degree in industrial design, packaging design, graphic design, design engineering or mechanical engineering disciplines from an accredited institution is preferred. Physical ability to bend, reach and lift items up to 5 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally. What We Offer
Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence. Comprehensive training with learning and development opportunities. Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.
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