Design Accelerator Program, 2027

Smurfit Westrock

Carol Stream (IL)

On-site

USD 15,000 - 21,000

Full time

4 days ago

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Benefits offered by this job

Corporate culture based on integrity,尊

Comprehensive training with numerous学习

An attractive salary reflecting skills

A career with a global packaging公司

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is offering a Design Accelerator Program internship in Illinois that provides hands-on experience across packaging design, manufacturing, operations, sales, and customer engagement. You will work on prototypes, learn production processes, and collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams.

The program emphasizes leadership, accountability, and ongoing development, with potential moves into a Designer role.

Qualifications

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with customers, partners, and technical teams.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively on cross-functional teams.
Willingness to travel and relocate during rotational assignments.
Customer-focused mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
Initiative, accountability and a desire to build a career in packaging design and leadership.

Responsibilities

Support packaging design projects from concept through production.
Develop prototypes, mockups, specifications, and production-ready solutions.
Learn how packaging designs are manufactured and implemented in real-world operations.
Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to solve business challenges.
Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and innovation projects.
Present ideas, recommendations, and project updates to business leaders and customers.
Build knowledge of corrugated packaging, sustainability, manufacturing processes, and packaging innovation.
Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and accountability through rotational assignments and special projects.
Participate in professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities designed to accelerate your career.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Problem-solving

Presentation skills

Willingness to travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Design

Packaging Science

Industrial Design

Engineering

Business

Tools

CAD software

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

The Opportunity

As a participant in the Design Accelerator Program (DAP), you will gain hands-on experience across Design, Manufacturing, Operations, Sales, and Customer Engagement while helping deliver innovative packaging solutions for our customers.

How You Will Impact Smurfit Westrock

Support packaging design projects from concept through production.
Develop prototypes, mockups, specifications, and production-ready solutions.
Learn how packaging designs are manufactured and implemented in real-world operations.
Collaborate with customers and cross-functional teams to solve business challenges.
Participate in customer meetings, design reviews, and innovation projects.
Present ideas, recommendations, and project updates to business leaders and customers.
Build knowledge of corrugated packaging, sustainability, manufacturing processes, and packaging innovation.
Demonstrate leadership, initiative, and accountability through rotational assignments and special projects.
Participate in professional development, mentoring, and networking opportunities designed to accelerate your career.

What You Need to Succeed

Strong analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with customers, business partners, and technical teams.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Ability to learn quickly and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively on cross-functional teams.
Willingness to travel and relocate during rotational assignments as business needs require.
Customer-focused mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
Initiative, accountability, and a desire to build a career in packaging design and leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Packaging Design, Packaging Science, Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Engineering, Business, or a related field.
Internship, co-op, research, or project experience in packaging, manufacturing, product development, engineering, or related fields.
Familiarity with CAD software, packaging design tools, Adobe Creative Suite, or similar programs.
Exposure to manufacturing environments or customer-facing projects.
Experience leading team projects, student organizations, athletics, volunteer initiatives, or other leadership activities.
Interest in packaging innovation, sustainability, and customer engagement.

What Smurfit Westrock offers:

Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellence
Comprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunities
An attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potential
A career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work.

About the Program

The Design Accelerator Program is a full-time, paid rotational development program designed to build future packaging design leaders. Over approximately 12 months, participants gain structured experience across multiple functions, receive mentorship from experienced professionals, and develop the technical, commercial, operational, and leadership skills needed for a successful career at Smurfit Westrock. Successful participants may transition into a full-time Designer role with continued development and growth opportunities.

The salary range for this position is $0.00 - $0.00, depending on your role, level, and location. The range listed is also the expected pay for roles in Illinois and Colorado.