Design Accelerator Program, 2027

Smurfit-Westrock; Carol Stream (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training program

Competitive salary

Global company

Sustainability focus

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock invites talented individuals to join our Design Accelerator Program. This full-time, paid rotational program spans approximately 12 months, offering exposure to Design, Manufacturing, Operations, Sales, and Customer Engagement.

Participants gain hands-on experience delivering packaging solutions, working with customers, and advancing technical and leadership skills across multiple functions.

Job description

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is the go-to leader and partner of choice in sustainable packaging. We are dedicated to creating efficient and scalable paper and packaging solutions to help solve complex packaging challenges. Guided by our values of safety, loyalty, integrity and respect, we are committed to delivering meaningful value for shareholders, customers, employees and the communities where we operate.

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.

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.

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. The benefits for this role include short-term bonus incentive, health, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts or health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and paid sick leave as required by applicable state/local law, 15 days of paid vacation, and 11 days of paid holidays, subject to annual change. Your pay will be based on factors such as your skills, experience, and education.