R&D Intern - Summer 2026, Carol Stream IL

The R&D / Technical Services Co-Op for the Corrugated Packaging Innovation Team will work out of the Smurfit Westrock Carol Stream, IL Technical Center and report to the Carol Stream Lab Manager. During the program, the R&D Co-Op will develop knowledge and experience with a broad spectrum of test methods and engineering principles used to develop, evaluate, and improve performance-based packaging.

TAPPI Test Methods will be used to conduct testing and evaluation of Corrugated Board, Base Materials, and Boxes. These methods include everything from microscopic analysis of paper up to compression testing corrugated cases. Most importantly, the intern will learn how to analyze test data from packaging components to evaluate how these properties affect overall packageperformance.

ISTA, ASTM, and customized test protocols will be used to simulate various storage and distribution environments to which a packaged product may be subjected. These test methods encompass the four key distribution hazards : Shock, Vibration, Compression, and Environmental. Testing will be used to evaluate, and ultimately qualify, packaged product solutions. The intern will learn which test methods are appropriate to simulate different distribution / storage environments. They will have the opportunity to set up prototypes for testing, perform test procedures, evaluate results, and report / present findings.

There is also the possibility of project management work that will allow the intern to research topics important for WestRock to Defend, Improve, and / or Gain business. With guidance from management, the intern will develop project plans, submit project and testing plans for approval, gather or produce samples for testing, perform appropriate tests, analyze test data, and present findings to R&D leadership team.

If this is a longer term ECD full-time role, we will additionally develop skills and knowledge in Quality Standards, Box Plant Production, and Design that will allow the ECD team member to deploy into one of those areas in the field following their rotation at Carol Stream based on their aptitudes and interests as well as business needs.

What You Need to Succeed

\u2022 Candidates should be majoring in a technical field of study. Areas of study could include Packaging Science, Paper Science, Industrial / Mechanical Engineering, or Other Sciences.

\u2022 Classwork and / or experience related to the physical properties of packaging materials will be helpful background for this position.

\u2022 Classwork and / or experience related to package design and / or testing is ideal background for this candidate.

\u2022 Candidates should have an interest in a career in the packaging industry focusing on Corrugated Packaging.

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 safety, loyalty, integrity, and respect, we use leading science and technology to move fiber-based packaging forward.

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.