Manufacturing Operations Intern, Summer 2027

Smurfit Westrock; Winston-Salem (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful project work

Leadership exposure

Professional development

Competitive compensation

Values-driven culture

Global packaging leader

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) invites applications for Manufacturing Engineering & Operations Intern positions across the United States for Summer 2027. You will gain hands-on experience in a dynamic manufacturing environment, working on projects that drive operational excellence, sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

As an intern, you will collaborate with engineering and operations professionals, analyze data, support process improvements, and contribute to initiatives that have

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an accredited bachelor's or master's degree program in engineering.
• Electrical Engineering
• Industrial & Systems Engineering
• Materials Science or Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Packaging Science or Packaging Engineering

Responsibilities

• 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.

Education

Electrical Engineering

Industrial & Systems Engineering

Materials Science or Materials Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Packaging Science or Packaging Engineering

Or a related engineering discipline

Job description

Description & Requirements

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.

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.

Collaboration & Culture

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.

Work Environment

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
• Industrial & Systems 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.

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.