Manufacturing Operations Intern, Summer 2027

Smurfit Westrock; United States; Hybrid; USD 27,552,000 - 41,328,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentorship

Professional development

Competitive compensation

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking Manufacturing Engineering & Operations Interns for Summer 2027 across multiple U.S. locations. Interns gain hands-on experience in a dynamic manufacturing environment while working on projects that drive safety, sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

You will partner with cross-functional teams, analyze data, and contribute to ongoing process improvements. The program emphasizes mentorship, training, and professional development, with exposure to

Qualifications

• Pursuing bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.
• Willing to work across multiple sites across the U.S.

Responsibilities

• Support safety, quality, efficiency, reliability, and productivity improvements across manufacturing teams.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Participate in process improvement, sustainability, and cost-reduction projects.
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment and processes to find root causes.
• Support preventive and reliability-focused maintenance initiatives.
• Develop and present project findings and recommendations to leaders.
• Contribute to day-to-day operations while managing project deliverables.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Teamwork

Communication

Adaptability

Curiosity

Detail-oriented

Education

Electrical Engineering

Materials Science or Materials Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Packaging Science or Packaging Engineering

Related engineering discipline

Job description

Manufacturing Operations Intern, Summer 2027

FL Fernandina Beach Container, GA Smyrna, NC Mebane, NC Raleigh, NC Winston-Salem Container, NY Hicksville, OH West Chester MDS, WI Adams

Manufacturing Engineering & Operations Intern (Summer 2027)

Various U.S. Locations

The Opportunity

At Smurfit Westrock, our Manufacturing Engineering & Operations Interns gain hands-on experience in a dynamic manufacturing environment while working on projects that drive operational excellence, sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

As an intern, you'll work alongside experienced engineering and operations professionals to solve real business challenges, improve manufacturing processes, and contribute to projects that make a measurable impact. Safety, teamwork, and innovation are at the core of everything we do.

We are recruiting interns and co-ops to support our Corrugated and Consumer Packaging business units across the United States. By applying to this position, you may be considered for multiple Engineering & Operations internship opportunities across our U.S. locations.

What You'll Do

As a Manufacturing Engineering & Operations Intern, you will:

• Support initiatives that improve safety, quality, efficiency, reliability, and productivity across manufacturing and operational teams.
• Analyze operational and production data to identify trends, uncover opportunities, and recommend solutions.
• Participate in process improvement, cost savings, sustainability, and operational excellence projects.
• Assist in troubleshooting equipment and process challenges to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.
• Support preventive and reliability-focused maintenance initiatives.
• Develop and present project findings, recommendations, and results to leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Champion a strong safety culture by adhering to and promoting company safety standards.
• Contribute to day-to-day operations while managing assigned project work and deliverables.

At Smurfit Westrock, success is built through teamwork. You will:

• Partner with cross-functional teams to communicate technical findings and project updates.
• Collaborate with operations, engineering, maintenance, quality, and leadership teams.
• Build meaningful professional relationships through mentoring, networking, and team-based projects.

Depending on the assignment, interns may work in:

• Manufacturing facilities, mills, converting plants, research and development environments, or corporate offices.
• Industrial environments that may include exposure to production equipment, machinery, noise, and varying temperatures.
• Fast-paced operational settings where safety is always the top priority.
• All interns are expected to follow established safety policies and procedures.

What You'll Bring

We're looking for curious, driven, and collaborative students who are eager to learn and make an impact.

Required Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor's or master's degree program in:
• Electrical Engineering
• Materials Science or Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Packaging Science or Packaging Engineering
• Or a related engineering discipline

Preferred Skills & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate data and develop practical solutions.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and manage projects effectively.
• Adaptability and flexibility in a changing environment.
• Demonstrated curiosity, initiative, and desire to continuously learn.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork skills with the ability to build positive working relationships.

What We Offer

• Meaningful project work with real business impact.
• Exposure to manufacturing, engineering, and operations leadership.
• Training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities.
• Competitive compensation.
• A values-driven culture built on integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence.
• The opportunity to work for a global leader in sustainable packaging where Safety, Sustainability, and Inclusion are foundational to how we operate and grow.

Candidates are required to undergo a drug screening after receiving a conditional job offer, but before starting employment.