Description & Requirements Smurfit Westrock (NYSE:SW) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions. We are materials scientists, packaging designers, mechanical engineers and manufacturing experts with a shared purpose: Innovate Boldly. Package Sustainably. Guided by our values of integrity, respect, accountability and excellence, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

Design Intern - Carol Steam, IL – Summer 2026

 

The opportunity:

As a Design Intern, you will spend time learning about Smurfit Westrock while developing real-world design experience. This role has the support and guidance of Associate Designers, Senior Designers and Leadership and is expected to work independently, stay organized, communicate well, and demonstrate effective time management. 

How you will impact Smurfit WestRock:

Demonstrates Smurfit Westrock values of integrity, respect, accountability, and excellence and contributes positively to collaborative design team cultureAchieves the highest level of customer satisfaction through timely and independent execution and delivery of prototypes, white samples, graphic mock-ups & instructionsActively participates in team projects/ customer demands.Contributes to design requests under the supervision of project leadsCreates creative and compelling visuals, appropriately leveraging Brand Guide, templates, and other toolsDevelops and gains experience under the guidance of Design and other colleaguesDemonstrates an Opportunity Mindset, seizing opportunities to learn from more senior Designers and using their own experiences to recommend and seek new opportunities for Smurfit Westrock business or Design team growth and development

Structural

Basic applied 3-dimensional thinkingFollows appropriate substrate and caliper fit for use materials guidance more senior designers and leadersFollows testing protocols to conduct package fit for use testing at the direction of more senior designers and leaders to help provide a fit for use perspective on packaging designs 

Graphic

Supports the execution of graphic visuals, mockups, and instructions with direction from teammates and Design ManagementUnderstands basic MFG processes and learning mock-up production workflowUnderstands Smurfit Westrock Brand Standards and applies Smurfit Westrock branding in a manner that adheres to our corporate guidelines

What you need to succeed:

Candidates must be actively enrolled in an accredited engineering college/university program.Should be pursuing a degree in Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Packaging, or other related disciplinesDemonstrates an interest, willingness, and drive to learn new things; seeks to understand concepts, processes, and ideas within area of functional expertise; naturally inquisitive; sets meaningful goals for personal work productivityExcellent verbal and written communication skills: Clearly exchanges thoughts, ideas, and messages through written, verbal, and non-verbal methods that promote an understanding with the target audience; listens carefully and attentivelyHas an eye for recognizing errors or differences; plans and completes work with thoroughness, giving attention to specific information and individual details, conditions, necessary record keeping, and elements of that workStrong attention to detail and Problem-Solving: Identifies and analyzes problems; weighs relevance and accuracy of information; generates and evaluates alternative solutions; makes recommendations; demonstrates tackling a problem by using a logical, systematic, or sequential approachAbility to organize and prioritize workload: Plans, arranges and/or monitors work to ensure achievement of desired results; establishes a systematic course of action to accomplish objectivesDemonstrates agility, flexibility, and a willingness to modify one’s approach to achieve desired results; responds quickly to changing demands, processes, and updated informationCollaboration: Works effectively with others to complete a task or achieve a common objective; ability to cooperate in both interpersonal and team relationships to foster enthusiasm and maintain mutual trust, candor, and respect for others. Works through conflict constructively

 What we offer:

Corporate culture based on integrity, respect, accountability and excellenceComprehensive training with numerous learning and development opportunitiesAn attractive salary reflecting skills, competencies and potentialA career with a global packaging company where Sustainability, Safety and Inclusion are business drivers and foundational elements of the daily work. 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, 10 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. To learn more about this posting, please contact your recruiter during the hiring process. You may apply online at and the application window is expected to close by 28-Jan-2026.