Plant Intern/Co-op (SP 2027)

Smurfit Westrock plc; United States; On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Training & mentorship

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Smurfit Westrock is seeking Manufacturing Engineering & Operations Interns for Spring 2027 across multiple U.S. locations.

You will gain hands-on experience in a dynamic manufacturing environment, working on projects that drive safety, quality, efficiency, and sustainability while collaborating with senior engineers and operators. The program emphasizes learning, mentorship, and applying engineering concepts to real-world manufacturing challenges, with opportunities to contribute to

Qualifications

• Pursuing an accredited bachelor's or master's degree in an engineering field.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist in projects improving safety, quality, efficiency and productivity.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends and opportunities.
• Participate in process improvement, cost savings and sustainability efforts.
• Support maintenance and troubleshooting of equipment and processes.
• Present findings and recommendations to leaders and teams.

Education

Electrical Engineering

Materials Science or Materials Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Packaging Science or Packaging Engineering

Related engineering discipline

Job description

Manufacturing Operations Intern, Spring 2027

Locations

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

Employment Type

Full Time

Date Posted

03-Nov-2026

Relocation Support

Yes

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 Co-op (Spring 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.

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.